Classic Head Half Cent (1808-36)
Mint Mark Information

In 1809, the US Mint began issuing what collectors call the Classic Head Half Cent. It was the work of Assistant Engraver John Reich, a German immigrant who was helped by President Thomas Jefferson to land a job at the Mint.

The planchets (i.e. round blanks) used in making the half cent originated in England. When the supply of planchets dried up in 1811, there were to be no more shipments because of suspended trade between the US and England during the War of 1812. This suited some people at the Mint just fine, given the difficulty in manufacturing the half cent. Banking institutions did not miss the half cent, either.

Classic Head Half Cents were not coined again until 1825, more than a decade after the end of the war. This came about when Jonathan Elliot & Sons of Baltimore requested a large quantity of the half cent. In all, 63,000 were produced that year.

1836 was the final year Classic Head Half Cents were struck (not counting later date restrikes).

Classic Head Half Cent Obverse

Classic Head Half Cent Reverse

The following table details mint mark usage on the Classic Head Half Cent:

All Classic Head Half Cents were coined at the Philadelphia Mint, and since Philadelphia did not use a mint mark for about the first 150 years of its existence, there is no mint mark to search for. Please note coin photos at right provided courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

Of the Classic Head Half Cent type, we recommend the 1811, if you are looking for a date in this group with the best chance of future price increases.

1811 Half Cent