Most of the time, a penny is worth just one cent, but with these 10 Rare Classic Head Half Cents, they can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. If you’re sorting through your pocket change, it’s good to know how to spot the difference between a simple chunk of copper and a coin collectors would fight over. Super valuable pennies tend to be rare, but there are lots of surprising factors that can make them uncommon and worth money. There’s something special about each penny on this list.
Classic Head Half Cents Design History
Throughout its history, the Half Cent design has been through multiple revisions. It all began in 1793 with a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty by Henry Voigt, which had a wreath or chains on the back. The 1794 design had been changed by Joseph Wright to a more flamboyant wreath in response to criticism.
In 1796, Robert Scot redrew it once more, this time with Lady Liberty standing right and having a draped bust. The Classic Head design by John Reich came in 1808, and the Matron Head design by Scot came in 1816. With a tight braid, Christian Gobrecht’s design from 1835 gave Lady Liberty an even more youthful look.
The shifting aesthetics of the time are seen in these modifications. Collectors continue to search for these ancient coins considering their ancient times, although it can be hard to find them in good condition.
10 Rare Classic Head Half Cents Worth Money\
- 1806 1/2C Small 6, Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1807 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1811 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1834 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1825 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1835 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1828 1/2C 13 Stars, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1828 1/2C Cohen 1, 13 Stars, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1832 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
- 1809 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
1. 1806 1/2C Small 6, Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1806 1/2C Small 6, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) is a part of the Draped Bust Half Cents series minted from 1800 to 1808. It has a PCGS grade of MS64BN and features a plain edge, measuring 23.50 millimeters in diameter and weighing 5.44 grams.
Minted in Philadelphia with a mintage of 356,000, this copper coin designed by Robert Scot holds an auction record of $52,900 for a VG10 grade on September 6, 2011, by Goldberg Auctioneers.
2. 1807 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1807 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike), from the Draped Bust Half Cents series minted from 1800 to 1808, is graded PCGS MS64BN. With a plain edge, diameter of 23.50 millimeters, and weight of 5.44 grams, it was minted in Philadelphia with a mintage of 476,000. Designed by Robert Scot, this copper coin achieved an auction record of $18,000 for an MS64BN grade on March 25, 2020, by Stack’s Bowers.
3. 1811 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The coin is an 1811 1/2C from the Classic Head Half Cents series, minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS65+BN and weighs 5.44 grams with a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, it features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage for this coin is 63,140. The highest auction record for a similar coin was $84,000 for an MS63BN grade sold by Stack’s Bowers on March 25, 2020.
4. 1834 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1834 1/2C coin is part of the Classic Head Half Cents series, minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS65+BN and weighs 5.44 grams with a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, the coin features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage for this coin is 141,000. The highest auction record for a similar coin was $3,840 for an MS65+BN grade sold by Heritage Auctions on April 25, 2021.
5. 1825 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1825 1/2C coin is from the Classic Head Half Cents series and was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS65+BN, weighs 5.44 grams, and has a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, the coin features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage for this coin is 63,000. The highest auction record for a similar coin was $7,475 for an AU50 grade sold by Heritage Auctions on July 30, 2008.
6. 1835 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1835 1/2C coin is part of the Classic Head Half Cents series and was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS65RD, weighs 5.44 grams, and has a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, the coin features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage for this coin is 398,000. The highest auction record for a similar coin was $19,800 for an MS65RD grade sold by Stack’s Bowers on March 25, 2020.
7. 1828 1/2C 13 Stars, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1828 1/2C Classic Head Half Cent, with 13 stars, was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS66BN and weighs 5.44 grams, with a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, it features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage is 606,000, and its highest auction record is $3,220 for an MS60 grade sold by American Numismatic Rarities on September 13, 2003.
8. 1828 1/2C Cohen 1, 13 Stars, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1828 1/2C Cohen 1 Classic Head Half Cent, with 13 stars, was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS63+BN, weighs 5.44 grams, and has a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, it features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage is 606,000, and its highest auction record is $2,280 for an MS63BN grade sold by Heritage Auctions on April 25, 2021.
9. 1832 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1832 1/2C Classic Head Half Cent was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS66BN and weighs 5.44 grams, with a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, it features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage is 154,000, and its highest auction record is $4,313 for an MS65 grade sold by Heritage Auctions on January 1, 2006.
10. 1809 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1809 1/2C Classic Head Half Cent was minted in Philadelphia. It has a PCGS grade of MS66BN, weighs 5.44 grams, and has a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. Designed by John Reich, it features a plain edge and is made of copper. The mintage is 1,154,572, and its highest auction record is $16,100 for a VF25 grade sold by Superior Galleries on May 27, 2003.
Also Read – 10 Rare American Gold Eagle Bullion Coins
Conclusion:
In the world of numismatics, each coin tells a story, and the Classic Head Half Cents are no exception. So, as you consider these 10 Rare Classic Head Half Cents, remember their extraordinary worth, transcending the mere penny’s usual value. Delve into the world of numismatics and discover the unique stories behind each of these precious coins.