United States 1855 half cent

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This issue is common for the type. 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: 56,500.

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:

• 1853 half cent
• 1855 3 cents
• 1855-S quarter
• 1855 gold dollar
• 1855-C 5 dollars
• 1855 10 dollars
• 1855-O 10 dollars
• 1855-S 20 dollars
• 1856 half dime
• return to United States Braided Hair Half Cents (1840-1857)
• Coins and currency dated 1855