As I further my quest for knowledge past ordinary pocket change, I couldn't help but notice that the half cent is still reasonably affordable up to MS60 (well, what is currently affordable to me). Not to mention it just called out to me. For some reason, I just really like this coin. Am I missing something? Well, obviously I am. Let me rephrase. What am I missing? They seem to be undervalued based on mintage alone, considering there are barely over half a million coins minted for the entire set, especially if the mintage figures I have in front of me include the proofs (from 1849+). I know the first half of the set is proof only, so is it because now the proof set is the collector's standard? Just trying to figure out why the business strike set isn't commanding a little more respect.
Always puzzling, isn't it ? I'm a half cent fan, but we are definitely overshadowed by the Large Cent guys. I can't really say why, but half cents have always been less popular than Large Cents, even when they were in circulation back in the early 19th century ! These facts prove it : Large Cent mintages are much higher because they were more in demand for actual commerce Large Cents have only one year with lapsed mintage (1815), and that was due to lack of planchets. Half Cents have lengthy lapses in mintage, and that was due to lack of demand. Why make more half cents if there are already unwanted bags sitting around in bank vaults ? That explains why there are so many affordable high-grade half cents - they had much lower circulation than the large cents, so mint state bags languished in bank vaults. That's good news for half cent collectors - high grade 1/2c are much, much cheaper than corresponding Large Cents.
ive been thinking about getting some half cents for my collection. they make a great alternative to dates/conditions you otherwise cant afford.
Right-o. The classic case is the Classic Head design. Nice coins are freely available as half cents, but very spendy as large cents.
I read that they weren't that popular, is it because not many things were priced at 1.5 cents, or 2.5 cents? Seems like back then a half cent would have had some buying power! I like the Classic Head, too. I just ordered an 1832 - I'll post pics when I get it. Only 51K minted? That's awesome - looks AU.
I have 5 or 6 of them. I like them, but not as much as large cents. Plus quite a few years were only. One of these days I will have to do an album of them.
