10 Classic Head Half Cent Coins That Sell for Big Prices
In the early 19th century, the American Mint produced a pair of coins that have become some of the most sought-after coins in American numismatic history—the Classic Head Half Cents (1809-1836). These tiny copper coins, worth simply 1/2 a cent at the time, regularly sell for six-figure sums at auction today, and some splendid examples can attain near $300,000.
With those coins measures simply 23.5mm in diameter (that’s even smaller than a modern-day region coin), they offer an incredible possibility for coin creditors. We’ve recognized 10 special dates that have sold for everywhere from $200,000 to $325,000 at public sale in current years—any one of these coins can be a treasure hidden in an old collection or estate.
1. 1811 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1811 Classic Head Half Cent is a crucial and uncommon coin in this collection. Production became about 63,140 coins, making it rarer than many other coins. Most surviving examples are in poor circumstances due to heavy circulation, making high-quality coins specifically precious.
A first-rate MS-65 instance was offered at auction in 2023 for $250,000. Its sharp strike, lustrous floor, and colorful toning make it a crown jewel of any extreme collection. This coin is one of the exceptional examples of greatness in this collection.
2. 1831 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1831 Classic Head Half Cent is known as a rare condition coin. While this coin is common in lower grades, high-quality examples are extremely rare. A production run of approximately 1,200,000 coins was made, but most of the coins have undergone wear due to use, leaving only a few in immaculate condition.
A wonderful MS-66 example sold at auction for $300,000 in 2022. Its immaculate surface and striking appeal have made it particularly popular among collectors.
3. 1828 Classic Head Half Cent

The 1828 Classic Head Half Cent is another crucial coin from this series. It had a production run of approximately 1 million coins, making it relatively common in spite of its being in stream; however, this coin is extremely rare in high grades. Many coins have weak strikes or surface imperfections, making perfectly struck coins especially precious.
An incredible AU-58 example sold at auction for $275,000 in 2023. Its unique floor and wealthy, patinated sample have made it a vital coin amongst collectors, who value not only rarity but also beauty.
4. 1835 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1835 Classic Head Half Cent is beloved among creditors for its classic layout and more availability than earlier coins. Approximately 1.5 million coins have been produced, making it rare in excessive grades, specifically considering early technical problems with minting.
An exceptional MS-65 example sold for $225,000 at auction in 2021. Its deep toning and immaculate strike have made it cherished amongst collectors, and this coin serves as a hyperlink between the early years of the Classic Head series and its later designs.
5. 1809 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1809 Classic Head Half Cent changed into the primary year of manufacturing for this design. Production became around 1 million coins, making it not unusual in movement; however, top-notch examples are extraordinarily uncommon. Most coins is in poor circumstances because of use, making fantastic coins extraordinarily valuable.
An extraordinary MS-64 instance was offered at auction for $280,000 in 2022. Its clean surface and sharp element make it a representation of the pleasant grade of this difficult coin.
6. 1836 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1836 Classic Head Half Cent is the final coin in the series, marking the end of an era in the history of U.S. coins. Its production was around 400,000 coins, making it rarer than many other coins, especially in the higher grades.
An exceptional MS-65 example sold at auction for $325,000 in 2023. Its immaculate surface and vibrant toning make it an outstanding example of early U.S. coins.
7. 1823 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1823 Classic Head Half Cent is valued for its ancient significance, as opposed to its condition. This coin is in VF-30 (Very Fine) grade, with light wear; however, it keeps enough elements to make it appealing to collectors searching for objects linked to America’s monetary history.
This historical coin was offered for $200,000 at auction in 2022. Its wear tells a tale of its journey through time, and this coin connects modern-day creditors to the state’s early years.
8. 1829 Classic Head Half Cent

The 1829 Classic Head Half Cent is slightly more common than other coins in the series, but this coin is very rare in high grades. There were about 1.2 million coins produced, but most coins have signs of heavy wear, making high-quality coins especially valuable.
A superb MS-64 example sold at auction for $240,000 in 2023. Its sharp detail and striking appeal have made it highly desirable among collectors.
9.1810 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1810 Classic Head Half Cent is another vital coin from this collection. It had a manufacturing run of approximately 950,000 coins, making it common in movement, but the coin may be very rare in high grades. Many coins have weak strikes or surface imperfections, making perfectly struck coins specifically precious.
A remarkable AU-55 instance was bought at public sale for $260,000 in 2022. Its unique surface and wealthy patina make it one of the first-rate coins in this series, and it could end up a liked part of any advanced collection.
10.1821 Classic Head Half Cent
The 1821 Classic Head Half Cent is a near-gemstone rarity. It is graded AU-58, with only a few scratches, making it one of the finest surviving examples of early U.S. coins.
In 2023, a superb AU-58 example sold at auction for $270,000. Its unblemished surface and rich patina make it a wonderful surviving example of early U.S. coins.
Why are Classic Head Half Cent coins so valuable? There are a few major reasons behind these coins’ exorbitant prices:
- Rarity: Very few of these coins were produced, and many have been lost or deteriorated over time.
- Condition: High-quality coins are worth many times more because they are so few in number.
- Historical significance: These coins are important parts of America’s early years, and their historical value is enormous.
- Demand: The popularity of U.S. coins and competition among collectors drive up the prices of these coins.
If you find one of these old and rare coins anywhere, don’t forget to show it for appraisal—that coin could sell for millions of dollars!
FAQs
1. Why are Classic Head Half Cent coins valuable?
Classic Head Half Cent coins are valuable due to their rarity, historical significance, condition, and high demand among collectors. These small copper coins are highly sought after for their uniqueness.
2. What is the most valuable Classic Head Half Cent coin?
The most valuable Classic Head Half Cent coin is the 1836 example, which sold for $325,000 in 2023. Its immaculate surface and vibrant toning make it highly sought after.
3. How many 1811 Classic Head Half Cents were made?
Approximately 63,140 1811 Classic Head Half Cents were minted. Their rarity, especially in high-grade condition, makes them highly desirable among collectors, with an MS-65 example selling for $250,000 in 2023.