Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: Liberty facing left, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1809-1836 Classic Head Half Cent
Classic Head half cents are small early copper coins popular with type collectors.
Classic Head Half Cent history
The Classic Head half cent was introduced in 1809 with a design by John Reich. Liberty wears a fillet inscribed LIBERTY, giving the type a cleaner and more classical appearance than the earlier Draped Bust coinage. Half cent production was intermittent during this period because demand for the denomination was limited. The design remained in use through 1836 and was followed by the Braided Hair half cent, the denomination’s final type.