Classic Head Half Cent Values
How Much Classic Head Half Cents are Worth: Classic Head Half Cent Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $167 | $229 | $340 | $693 | $1,930.00 | $5,625.00 | $12,475.00 | $22,425.00 | -- | -- |
| 1808/7 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $347 | $703 | $1,480.00 | $5,500.00 | $9,775.00 | $44,000.00 | -- | $341,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $136 | $251 | $394 | $909 | $1,763.00 | $3,790.00 | $11,275.00 | $31,300.00 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,500.00 | $8,025.00 | $23,800.00 | $82,500.00 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | Circle in 0 | BN | $169 | $267 | $447 | $938 | $1,355.00 | $5,795.00 | $15,000.00 | $44,800.00 | $75,000.00 | $98,000.00 |
| 1809/6 | (None) Phil | 9 Over Inverted 9 | BN | $105 | $134 | $169 | $324 | $533 | $1,190.00 | $2,850.00 | $8,355.00 | $21,750.00 | -- |
| 1809/6 | (None) Phil | 9 Over Inverted 9 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $19,000.00 | $29,675.00 | $17,600.00 | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $116 | $197 | $344 | $817 | $1,205.00 | $2,365.00 | $3,915.00 | $6,700.00 | $18,050.00 | $62,500.00 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,200.00 | $16,350.00 | $40,000.00 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $713 | $1,188.00 | $1,798.00 | $4,425.00 | $8,740.00 | $39,000.00 | $92,400.00 | $178,500.00 | $260,000.00 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Mickley Restrike | BN | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,850.00 | $5,500.00 | $13,125.00 | $16,700.00 | $19,600.00 | $29,875.00 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $99 | $118 | $230 | $239 | $376 | $1,085.00 | $2,255.00 | $4,275.00 | $9,050.00 | $15,980.00 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,790.00 | $10,050.00 | $13,200.00 | -- |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $168 | $234 | $584 | $1,070.00 | $2,640.00 | $8,075.00 | $13,750.00 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $875 | $2,410.00 | $15,400.00 | $11,000.00 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | BN | $95 | $114 | $190 | $162 | $195 | $346 | $580 | $805 | $2,434.00 | $7,750.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $600 | $913 | $1,840.00 | $4,400.00 | $6,050.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $800 | $2,505.00 | $5,830.00 | $19,250.00 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 12 Stars | BN | $95 | $134 | $157 | $241 | $415 | $1,168.00 | $2,049.00 | $4,245.00 | $18,450.00 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 12 Stars | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,070.00 | $12,325.00 | $37,500.00 | -- |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $173 | $209 | $485 | $713 | $1,018.00 | $3,016.00 | $10,800.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $3,180.00 | $8,250.00 | $17,450.00 | $38,050.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $13,200.00 | $37,625.00 | -- | -- |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $9,000.00 | $11,125.00 | $17,250.00 | $38,850.00 | $56,125.00 | $77,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $250 | $195 | $346 | $580 | $1,338.00 | $3,750.00 | $12,375.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $1,245.00 | $4,595.00 | $18,950.00 | -- |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $162 | $270 | $346 | $580 | $792 | $2,406.00 | $6,215.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $600 | $968 | $2,033.00 | $5,450.00 | $15,100.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $725 | $1,805.00 | $5,715.00 | $12,250.00 | -- |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $162 | $195 | $346 | $580 | $792 | $2,406.00 | $5,085.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $600 | $913 | $2,340.00 | $7,900.00 | $13,025.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,900.00 | $6,263.00 | $19,100.00 | -- |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $95 | $114 | $130 | $162 | $230 | $346 | $580 | $792 | $3,031.00 | $5,085.00 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $600 | $913 | $1,840.00 | $4,400.00 | $8,900.00 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,805.00 | $4,455.00 | $13,000.00 | -- |
History of the Classic Head Half Cent
The Classic Head Half Cent was minted from 1809 to 1836 and was designed by John Reich, who is known for his design of the Capped Bust Silver Half Dollar and the two varieties of $5 Gold Capped Bust Half Eagle coins.
The obverse features a left-facing Lady Liberty with curly hair, wearing a band inscribed with “LIBERTY,” while the reverse displays a wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
The Classic Head Half Cent was introduced in 1809, replacing the Draped Bust Half Cent. From 1812 to 1824, the U.S. Mint ceased the production of these half cents due to economic conditions caused by the War of 1812. The War of 1812 also created a severe copper shortage in the United States, making it harder for the Mint to secure copper planchets for coinage and halting many copper coin issues. By 1837, the Classic Head Half Cent had been discontinued and was replaced by the Braided Hair Half Cent in 1840.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1809 First-Year Issue: These are the first coins in this series released from the U.S. Mint.
- 1811 Low Mintage Issue: One of the rarest Classic Head Half Cents, with a very limited number of survivors.
- 1825-1828 Low Mintage Circulating Issues: These years had extremely limited production, making them difficult to find in high grades.
- 1831-1836 Proofs: Proof half cents were minted from 1831 to 1836.
The proof issues of the Classic Head Half Cent are generally recognized for the years 1831 through 1836. Most of these are extremely low mintage and/or restrikes. It is unlikely that true business-strike (circulation) versions of all these dates exist, and some 1831 examples formerly thought to be circulation strikes are now believed to be proofs or restrikes.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: Acquire one Classic Head Half Cent from each year of issue (1809–1811, 1825–1828), focusing on a foundational collection that highlights the historical span of the series.
- Complete Variety Set: Collect every major Red Book date alongside significant overdates, die marriages, and star arrangement varieties, offering a deeper study of design and production details.
- Proof and Restrike Set: Assemble the rare proof-only coins struck between 1831 and 1836, including original proofs and restrikes, representing some of the rarest issues in American copper coinage.
- High-Grade or Color Set: Target coins based on high-grade circulated or Mint State examples as well as color designation (Brown, Red-Brown, Red), emphasizing eye appeal and technical rarity.
- Error and Die Variety Set: Focus on coins with notable die errors, repunched dates, or planchet flaws, as well as cataloged die varieties (Cohen numbers) for a collection centered on minting anomalies and specificity.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Classic Head Half Cents are approachable for beginners who start with affordable circulated pieces found at coin shows, estate sales, or specialized dealers. Beginners can focus on clear hair curls on Liberty, well-defined wreath detail, and minimal surface marks. Proper storage in airtight holders helps slow oxidation.
Advanced Collecting
The series had a short mintage period, and production paused for 12 years because of copper shortages, making these coins scarce and better suited to experienced collectors. Assembling a complete, high-quality set is challenging and often expensive. Completed sets can bring solid premiums and may offer long-term value.
Investment Potential
Collectors value Classic Head Half Cents for their scarcity and historical significance. Low-mintage, high-grade examples often perform well in the market. Proof coins remain highly sought after.