Most people have never held a half-cent coin, but it was once a common part of U.S. currency.
It was one of the first coins ever minted in the United States and was produced for several decades.
If you have a half-cent in your coin collection or are just curious about its history, it’s worth learning about some of the rarest and most valuable half-cent coins.
Most Valuable Half-Cent Coins
A half-cent coin is worth 1/200th of a dollar, which isn’t much today. However, before the coin was retired in 1857, a half-cent had some purchasing power.
Today, the rarest half-cents can be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
| Half-Cent | Value |
|---|---|
| 1793 Half-Cent | $1,005,000 |
| 1796 No Pole Half-Cent | $780,000 |
| 1796 Pole Half-Cent | $630,000 |
| 1795 Half-Cent Struck Over 1795 Cent | $444,000 |
| 1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent | $408,000 |
| 1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent | $408,000 |
1793 Half-Cent
The first half-cent was minted in 1793, with over 35,000 coins produced that year. Few of those have survived.
This early version features Lady Liberty facing left, holding a cap on a pole. A well-preserved 1793 half-cent sold for $1,005,000 in 2022, making it one of the most valuable coins of its kind.
1796 No Pole Half-Cent
The 1796 half-cent is one of the rarest coins ever produced. Only 1,390 were minted, and it comes in two versions: with and without the pole.
The no-pole variety, where Lady Liberty’s cap is missing the supporting pole, is especially valuable. In 2021, one of these rare coins sold for $780,000.
1796 Pole Half-Cent
Although not as rare as the no-pole version, the 1796 pole half-cent is still highly sought after.
Finding one in mint condition is extremely difficult. In 2019, a well-preserved example sold for $630,000.
1795 Half-Cent Struck Over a 1795 Cent
Minting errors were not uncommon in early U.S. coin production, and the 1795 half-cent struck over a 1795 cent is a prime example.
The design of the underlying penny can be seen beneath the half-cent’s surface, making it unique and valuable. One of these rare coins sold for $444,000 in 2022.
1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent
Some 1795 half-cents have a lettered edge reading “TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.”
Because of their age and limited production, these coins are rare in good condition. A well-preserved lettered edge half-cent sold for $408,000 in 2022.
1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent
The 1794 high relief half-cent features a raised profile of Lady Liberty, with crisp details in her hair and facial features.
These coins are rare in mint condition, and one sold for $408,000 in 2022.
How to Identify Valuable Half-Cents?
The half-cent was discontinued in 1857 due to the rising cost of copper and its declining popularity.
However, many were minted over the years, and some could be quite valuable. Here’s what to look for:
- Minting Errors – Coins with unusual design mistakes or imperfections can be worth more.
- Condition – Coins with minimal wear are rare and more valuable.
- Early Mint Dates – Half-cents from the 1790s tend to be the most valuable.
- Rare Years – Look for coins from 1796, 1802, and 1831, which had low mintage numbers.
- Design Details – Coins with unique features like a missing pole or lettered edge can increase in value.
Half-Cents as Historical Treasures
Although the half-cent is no longer part of modern currency, it remains an important part of American history.
If you have a half-cent in your collection, it’s worth examining closely—it could be valuable both historically and financially.
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