Coronet Half Cent (1840-57)
Mint Mark Information

In 1825, the US resumed production of the Classic Head Half Cent, after a 14 year lapse. However, public demand for the lowly denomination that Mint officials thought was building failed to materialize. An 1829 inventory revealed the Mint had 43 kegs of half cents on hand (about 848,000 coins), so production was sharply curtailed.

In 1840, Mint Director Robert M. Patterson instructed Engraver Christian Gobrecht to develop a half cent design to match that of the one cent already in circulation. The Coronet Half Cent featured a youthful Liberty with braided hair and a small crown (called a coronet).

From 1840 to 1849, only Proof examples of the Coronet Half Cent were struck, primarily for collectors and as gifts to foreign dignitaries. Half cents needed for daily commerce were drawn from the Mint stockpile.

Regular production of the Coronet Half Cent began in 1849 and continued until 1857 (except for 1852), when the US Half Cent was forever discontinued. In 1912, a bill was introduced in Congress to revive the half cent, but it failed.

An interesting footnote to the half cent: A nighttime security guard at the Mint arranged for illegal restrikes of Proof Coronet Half Cents in the late 1850's. More restrikes were made in the late 1860's. This is how restrike versions of all Proof dates exist.

Coronet Half Cent Obverse

Coronet Half Cent Reverse

This table lists mint mark information pertaining to the Coronet Half Cent:

The reason there are no letters, and thus no mint marks, is because all Coronet Half Cents (actually, ALL United States Half Cents) were coined at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mint marks until 1942. Please note coin photos at right provided courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

Collectors are most interested in Proof Coronet Half Cents, but they are scarce (hence, the interest) and aren't always available on eBay. However, other Coronet Half Cents, are relatively plentiful. You can use the link below to see many of  the certified Coronet Half Cents for sale on eBay right now:

Coronet Half Cents