subject: Coin Collection - Major types of US half cents [print this page] Coin Collection - Major types of US half cents
Half cents appear in five major types, which we discuss in this article.
Liberty cap, head facing left (1793 only)
When Congress first considered designs for its new coins, congressmen choose a representation of liberty and freedom. But how do you display a concept like liberty or an idea like freedom? Mint officials chose to portray Liberty as a young female with flowing locks of hair. She carried a cap on a pole not just any ordinary cap, but the cap of a freedman. For the back of the coin, the designer created a simple wreath design. This type is rare.
Liberty cap, head facing right (17941797)
Liberty made a literal about-face beginning in 1794, when she began facing right instead of left. In 1795, the weight of the half cent was reduced, so you find both heavy coins with lettered edges and lighter coins with plain edges in this year. The edges on later dates were supposed to be plain, but in 1797, you have a choice between edges that are plain or gripped (featuring weird, irregular markings on the outer rim). This type is also rare.
Draped Bust (18001808)
In 1800, half cents finally picked up the Draped Bust design, which had already been in use on other coins since 1796. Liberty seems to have grown up into quite a sophisticated young lady, with a new hairdo and a beautiful new dress.
Capped Bust or Classic Head (18091836)
On this design, Liberty seems to have grown up even more into a sternlooking, middle-aged hausfrau. One of the more interesting coins in this series is the 1811 restrike, made many years later outside the U.S. Mint by combining an old, scrapped obverse die from 1811 with a reverse die from 1802. No half cents were minted in 1837.
Braided Hair or coronet type (18401857)
In 1840, Liberty regained a more youthful appearance her hair was done up in braids, and she wore a coronet instead of a headband (see Figure 10-5). Unfortunately, the public didn't get to see this design until 1849 for the first nine years, coins bearing this design were struck only as proofs (special coins of exceptional quality that were made for sale to collectors and not made for general circulation) and were made available only to a handful of lucky collectors who made a trip to the mint. The year 1857 saw the end of this design type and (sadly) the end of all half cents, as well.
