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 | $330 | $668 | $1,930 | $5,625 | $12,475 | $22,425 | -- | -- |
| 1808/7 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $347 | $653 | $1,480 | $5,250 | $9,525 | $44,000 | -- | $341,000 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $240 | $383 | $862 | $1,708 | $3,570 | $11,275 | $31,300 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,500 | $8,400 | $23,800 | $82,500 |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | Circle in 0 | BN | $159 | $267 | $447 | $938 | $1,355 | $5,795 | $15,000 | $44,800 | $75,000 | $98,000 |
| 1809/6 | (None) Phil | 9 Over Inverted 9 | BN | $100 | $129 | $164 | $312 | $520 | $1,190 | $2,850 | $8,355 | $23,000 | -- |
| 1809/6 | (None) Phil | 9 Over Inverted 9 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $19,000 | $29,675 | $17,600 | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,200 | $16,350 | $40,000 | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $109 | $187 | $344 | $792 | $1,143 | $2,365 | $3,915 | $6,700 | $18,050 | $62,500 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $713 | $1,188 | $1,798 | $4,425 | $8,740 | $39,000 | $92,400 | $178,500 | $260,000 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | Mickley Restrike | BN | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,850 | $5,500 | $13,125 | $16,700 | $19,600 | $29,875 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $94 | $140 | $136 | $239 | $389 | $1,085 | $2,255 | $4,275 | $10,050 | $15,980 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,790 | $10,050 | $13,200 | -- |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $163 | $234 | $584 | $1,070 | $2,640 | $8,075 | $13,750 |
| 1826 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $875 | $2,410 | $16,650 | $11,000 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 12 Stars | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,070 | $12,325 | $37,500 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 12 Stars | BN | $90 | $134 | $157 | $241 | $428 | $1,168 | $2,049 | $4,245 | $18,450 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $2,630 | $6,455 | $19,250 | -- |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $157 | $195 | $334 | $605 | $830 | $2,309 | $8,500 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $575 | $805 | $1,550 | $4,070 | $4,950 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $168 | $209 | $485 | $688 | $993 | $2,766 | $10,800 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $2,850 | $7,975 | $17,450 | $38,050 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $37,625 | -- | -- |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $9,000 | $11,125 | $17,250 | $38,850 | $56,125 | $77,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $157 | $195 | $334 | $605 | $1,338 | $3,750 | $12,375 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $1,245 | $4,595 | $18,950 | -- |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $675 | $1,805 | $5,715 | $12,250 | -- |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $180 | $125 | $157 | $195 | $334 | $605 | $817 | $2,281 | $6,590 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $575 | $943 | $2,033 | $5,120 | $12,050 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $157 | $195 | $334 | $605 | $817 | $2,281 | $5,460 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $575 | $805 | $1,925 | $7,570 | $12,475 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,900 | $6,263 | $19,100 | -- |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $90 | $109 | $125 | $157 | $195 | $334 | $605 | $817 | $1,929 | $5,460 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $575 | $805 | $1,550 | $4,180 | $8,900 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,805 | $4,080 | $13,000 | -- |
Overview
The Classic Head Half Cent, minted from 1809 to 1836, significantly improved the Half Cent series, offering a more refined design and better-quality planchets than its predecessors. Designed by John Reich, the obverse features a left-facing Liberty with curly hair, wearing a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY,” while the reverse displays a wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. Collectors prize Classic Head Half Cents for their historical significance, better strike quality, and key date rarities, making them a highly desirable part of early American numismatics.
History of the Classic Head Half Cent
The Classic Head Half Cent was introduced in 1809, replacing the Draped Bust Half Cent. John Reich’s design featured a more youthful and natural-looking Liberty, which was also used on the Classic Head Large Cent.
Significant changes during this series include:
- Improved Copper Quality – Unlike earlier half cents, which were often struck on poor-quality planchets, Classic Head Half Cents were made from higher-purity copper, resulting in a smoother appearance.
- Suspended Production (1812-1824) – Due to economic conditions and lack of demand, the U.S. Mint ceased production of half cents from 1812 to 1824.
- Proof-Only Issues (1831-1836) – The final years of the series saw proof-only production, making these dates highly scarce.
By 1837, the Classic Head Half Cent had been discontinued and was replaced by the Braided Hair Half Cent in 1840.
Collecting Classic Head Half Cent Coins
Collectors seek Classic Head Half Cents for their historical importance, high-quality strikes, and key date rarities. Many were well-circulated, making uncirculated examples particularly valuable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1809 First-Year Issue – A historically significant first-year coin.
- 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 Proof-Only Issues – Struck exclusively as proofs, making them among the scarcest coins in the series.
Additionally, collectors look for problem-free examples with smooth surfaces and strong details, as many surviving coins have signs of wear or environmental damage.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Classic Head Half Cents can be found at coin shows, estate sales, and specialized numismatic dealers.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for sharp hair curls on Liberty, full wreath details on the reverse, and minimal surface damage.
- Proper Storage: Store high-grade Classic Head Half Cents in airtight holders or certified slabs to protect them from oxidation.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1811 Classic Head Half Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable issues in the series, as very few were minted and even fewer have survived in collectible condition. Additionally, the proof-only issues from 1831-1836 are among the most sought-after by advanced collectors.
Investment Potential
The Classic Head Half Cent remains a strong investment choice, particularly for low-mintage issues, proof specimens, and high-grade circulated examples. Coins such as 1811, 1825-1828, and 1831-1836 proofs continue to appreciate in value due to their scarcity and historical importance.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1809 First-Year Issue – A foundational piece for any half-cent collection.
- 1811 Low Mintage – One of the rarest Classic Head Half Cents.
- 1825-1828 Low Mintage Circulating Issues – Difficult to find in high grades.
- 1831-1836 Proof-Only Issues – Extremely rare, struck only for collectors.
Notable Errors
- Repunched Dates – Some Classic Head Half Cents exhibit repunched numerals, adding collectible value.
- Weak Strikes – Some examples show faint details due to striking inconsistencies.
- Planchet Flaws – Though improved over earlier half cents, some Classic Head issues still have imperfections.
Design Features
The Classic Head Half Cent, designed by John Reich, features:
- Obverse: A left-facing Liberty with curly hair, wearing a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
- Reverse: A wreath encircling “HALF CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge.
Key design modifications include:
- Higher-Purity Copper Planchets: Improved metal quality for a smoother finish.
- Proof-Only Issues (1831-1836): Limited to collector-strike specimens.
Conclusion
The Classic Head Half Cent is a historically significant and highly collectible U.S. coin, offering collectors a mix of rare key dates, a refined design, and strong investment potential. Whether for historical appreciation, investment, or set-building, this series remains a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Understanding its rarities, design variations, and market trends helps collectors make informed decisions when acquiring Classic Head Half Cents.
