Believe it or not, there was a time in America when a half cent could actually make a purchase. At a time when Spanish-American silver coins were the backbone of circulating currency in America, a “bit” or one eighth of a Spanish Milled dollar was worth 12 ½ cents. When the half cent denomination made its debut in 1793, the first year of coinage in Philadelphia, it was deemed useful and though struck only intermittently over the decades, the worn pieces available today suggest the utilitarian purpose of these “little half sisters” to the large cent. In 1809 the design was changed on the half cent from the familiar Draped Bust style of 1793-1808 to the new Classic Head style as offered here. The gorgeous PCGS-certified Gem MS-65 BN 1809 specimen in our upcoming iAuction sale has been given a green seal of approval by CAC, which speaks highly of the overall quality. A toning spot at star 9 and another near the 9 of the date are the only marks of merit on the glossy deep red-brown surfaces. The strike is bold for the issue and the eye appeal is substantial. If a pleasing Gem Mint State Classic Head half cent is on your must-have list, whether for an advanced type set or a cabinet of half cents by date and variety, this handsome iAuction offering will make a grand addition to your collection.
