United States 1853 half cent

from the Molly Malone Collection

This issue is common for the type but is priced slightly higher than the 1851. The Classic Head half cent was terminated in 1836 and the Braided Hair half cent was introduced with its larger sister, the matching cent, in 1840. However, the first issues were few and struck only for collectors. The first issue for circulation was in 1849. Never popular, the last half cent was struck 1857. Most survivors are in nice condition.

Recorded mintage: 129,694.

Specification: 5.44 g, copper, 23 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Christian Gobrecht.

Catalog reference: KM 70.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Cohen, Roger S., Jr., American Half Cents: the Little Half Sisters, 2nd. Ed., Arlington, VA: Wigglesworth & Ghatt, 1982.
• Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.

Link to:

• 1849 half cent
• 1853 cent
• 1853 half dime, with arrows
• 1853 dime
• 1853 quarter
• 1853 half dollar
• 1853 gold dollar
• 1853-O gold dollar
• 1853 2½ dollars
• 1853-D 2½ dollars
• 1853-C 5 dollars
• 1853-O 10 dollars
• 1853-O 20 dollars
• 1855 half cent
• return to United States Braided Hair Half Cents (1840-1857)
• Coins and currency dated 1853