United States 1804 half cent
This specimen was lot 1627 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €130 (about US$179 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ÉTATS-UNIS, Cu 1/2 cent, 1804. Draped bust. D/ B. nu et dr. de la Liberté à d. R/ Valeur dans une couronne de laurier. Rare. Beau. (United States, half cent of 1804, draped bust type. Obverse: draped bust of Liberty right; reverse: value within laurel wreath. Rare, Fine.)"
The draped bust half cent was struck 1800-08 and this is a common date. Altho the draped bust design was used on the large cent from 1796, it was not introduced to the half cent until 1800. Varieties include plain and crosslet "4" in the date and with or without stems in the wreath. This one has a crosslet "4" and stems.
Recorded mintage: 1,055,312.
Specification: 5.44 g, copper, 23-24 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Robert Scot.
Catalog reference: KM 33.
- Alexander, David T., Coin World Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Coins, Sidney, OH: Amos Press, 1995.
- Breen, Walter H., Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins, New York: Doubleday, 1987.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
Link to: