I feel lucky to get it. I was watching 4 with bids of around $100. This was the one I wanted because it was the lowest mintage of the ones available and none of them really took off, so I was happy to score the one I wanted.
Bill, I went back through your book trying to see what "huffed" meant and I can only guess you meant to say "hubbed"? What did you mean? I suspect it's something profound.
For further reading and research on half cents, I recommend Roger Cohen's book, "Little Half Sisters". He had quite the sense of humor, and published the book through "Wigglesworth & Ghatt Co.", which were the names of his cats! His daughter, Jan, who I know, did the cover art for the book.
I can say - I cannot remember the last time I went to my LCS, looked in the display cases, and saw a half cent. I really only get to see a half cent in person when I go to a show - which is not that often.
You haven’t adopted me yet? You have the best early coins. You got anything new ? Just asking. Wouldn’t put it past you
I don't have an 1804 C3, but I do believe I have an 1809 C1. Most all of my coins are 1500 miles away...but I "think" I still have that one here. I put my coins away a few years ago. If I can figure out what I did with it, I'll post a picture here.
Personally, I’ve never been a big fan of half cents because they’re usually super dark and tiny and it’s hard to see the details and full design with my naked eyes. They are lovely coins though just not my cup of tea for those reasons.
Even in those days I don’t think it would buy very much. I do know in the early 1800s a beer cost about 5 cents. I would say the half cent back then was like the dollar today. You could buy something little (like a dollar can buy a small candy bar or a soda) with it but most things cost more.
I do, but they are British, ancient Roman or political items, including tokens. I have not bought an important U.S. coin in about three years. The reason is CAC.
Can I see the ancient Romans? I just picked up a denarius of each Trajan, Hadrian and Antoninus Pius this month. I’m curious what you got?