The Million-Dollar Half-Cent? 6 Coins Every Collector Dreams About!

The Million-Dollar Half-Cent? 6 Coins Every Collector Dreams About!

Most people have never seen a half-cent coin in their pocket change, but it was once a staple of American currency. Introduced in the early days of the U.S. Mint, the half-cent was used for everyday purchases until its retirement in 1857.

If you’ve got a half-cent coin in your collection, or are simply curious about its story, this guide covers some of the most valuable half-cent coins ever produced and why they’re so prized among collectors today.

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Most Valuable Half-Cent Coins

The face value of a half-cent may be small—just half a penny, or 1/200th of a dollar—but its collector value can be extraordinary. Some rare half-cents are worth thousands, even millions, due to their rarity and historical importance.

Half-Cent CoinEstimated Value
1793 Half-Cent$1,005,000
1796 No Pole Half-Cent$780,000
1796 Pole Half-Cent$630,000
1795 Half-Cent Struck Over a 1795 Cent$444,000
1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent$408,000
1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent$408,000

1. 1793 Half-Cent

1793 Half-Cent

The first official half-cent minted in 1793 saw only about 35,000 produced, making it a true collector’s item. This coin features Lady Liberty facing left, with a cap on a pole. In 2022, one sold for over a million dollars! If you find a 1793 half-cent in excellent condition, you may have struck gold.

2. 1796 No Pole Half-Cent

This 1796 half-cent variety, without the pole by Lady Liberty’s cap, is exceptionally rare. With only 1,390 of these coins minted, the no-pole version is highly sought after by collectors. In 2021, one sold for $780,000. This coin showcases Lady Liberty facing right, with just her cap, making it an incredibly valuable find.

3. 1796 Pole Half-Cent

1796 Pole Half-Cent

While less rare than the no-pole version, the 1796 half-cent with the pole by Lady Liberty’s cap still holds significant value. In 2019, a nearly uncirculated version sold for $630,000, making it another top half-cent to watch for.

4. 1795 Half-Cent Struck Over a 1795 Cent

 1795 Half-Cent Struck Over a 1795 Cent

This coin has an interesting backstory due to a minting error—it was struck over a 1795 penny, causing overlapping designs on the coin’s surface. This error makes it one of the most unique and valuable half-cents. In 2022, a collector paid $444,000 for one in exceptional condition.

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5. 1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent


1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent

This 1795 half-cent has a special detail on its edge, reading “two hundred for a dollar.” It’s hard to find one in good shape today, given its age, but those in decent condition are worth a lot. A lettered-edge half-cent sold for $408,000 in 2022.

6. 1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent

1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent

The 1794 half-cent has a high-relief image of Lady Liberty that stands out sharply, showing fine details like her hair and the surrounding text. Rare in mint state, a high-relief half-cent sold for $408,000 in 2022.


What to Look for in Valuable Half-Cent Coins

Even though the half-cent was phased out in 1857, the surviving coins can be worth a fortune. Here’s what collectors check for:

  • Errors: Look for any minting errors like double strikes or unusual features. These can add to a coin’s value.
  • Condition: Coins with minimal wear, especially those from the 1700s, are exceptionally valuable.
  • Date: The oldest half-cents, particularly from the 1790s, are often the most valuable.
  • Details: Small details, such as Lady Liberty’s cap pole or edge lettering, can make a difference.

The Half-Cent’s Place in History

Though it’s no longer part of modern currency, the half-cent is an important piece of American history. Owning one can feel like holding a tiny piece of the past. And if you’re lucky enough to have one of these rare coins, you might just be holding onto a fortune!

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