Classic Head Half Cent 1831-1836 Half Cent PR RB Values

Greysheet & Red Book® Price Guide

Sponsor

shop eBay

Sponsor

shop

Sponsor

shop Great Collections

Sponsor

shop US Coins and Jewelry

Sponsor

shop Stacks Bowers Auctions

Classic Head Half Cent 1831-1836 Half Cent PR RB Values

Details

In 1809 the obverse was completely changed to a more mature depiction of liberty with the reverse just changed to a slightly improved wreath. John Reich created the new design. The long awaited presentation of more exact minting machinery in the 1830's, made it possible for the Mint to deliver top notch coins in moderately high numbers. It was in this decade that the Mint initiated the creation of proof coinage. Restrikes were created around 1858 to 1861, when collecting was getting more well known in the United States.

Obverse: Lady Liberty is portrayed with a capped bonnet, facing left, in what is referred to as the so-called classic head style. The word LIBERTY appearing on her headband. 13 stars appear left and right in a 7x6 formation.

Reverse: The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery surround a wreath framing the words HALF CENT. The wreath is tied by a bow at the bottom.

Basic Information

GSID:

74202

Coin Date:

Classic Head Half Cent

Denomination:

1/2c / Half Cent

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Coinage Type:

Half Cent

Coinage Years:

1809-1836

Composition:

Copper

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

1831-1836

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

5.44 gr

Weight:

0.1749 oz

Strike Type:

Proof

Diameter:

23.5 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

John Reich

Obverse Lettering:

LIBERTY, [DATE]

Obverse Designer:

John Reich

Reverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF, CENT

Reverse Designer:

John Reich

Feedback:

Available on Greysheet Marketplace

View All

Dealer Directory

View All Dealers

Greysheet News

View All News
Summer Starts in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with Whitman's Coin & Currency Expo June 11–13, 2026
Summer Starts in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with Whitman's Coin & Currency Expo June 11–13, 2026
5/22/2026

Whitman Expos™ announces the return of the Whitman Summer Coin & Collectible Expo, taking place June 11–13, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center Halls A & B in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Whitman Unveils All-New 2027 Red Book Celebrating 80 Years of Numismatic Excellence
Whitman Unveils All-New 2027 Red Book Celebrating 80 Years of Numismatic Excellence
5/22/2026

The landmark 80th edition introduces 1,000+ new additions, enhanced collector-focused updates, Semiquincentennial coverage, and new formats for every level of the hobby.

Liberty Gets a Classic Makeover: The Half Eagles of 1834-1838
Liberty Gets a Classic Makeover: The Half Eagles of 1834-1838
5/18/2026

These coins were struck for five years—between 1834 and 1838—and they were struck every year at the Philadelphia Mint.

Map icon

DAVID LAWRENCE RARE COINS

Map icon

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Building