The Half Cent is the lowest face value coin struck by the United States. 1/200 of a Dollar.
Classic Head (1809-1836)
Coin Specifications:
Strike Type: Business
Denomination: 1/2 Cent
Composition: Copper
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Description:
Add a distinctive and historically significant copper variety to your collection with this 1809/6 Classic Head Half Cent, featuring the well-known 9 Over Inverted 9 overdate — a dramatic and collectible die variety appreciated by early copper enthusiasts.
Denomination: Half Cent
Year of Issue: 1809
Variety: 9 Over Inverted 9 (Cohen-3)
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark, as customary for this era)
Composition: Copper
Diameter: ~23.5 mm
Grade: Circulated (see detailed photos)
Highlights:
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Recognized 9 Over Inverted 9 overdate, clearly visible with magnification
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First year of the Classic Head design by John Reich
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A transitional coin between the Draped Bust and later Half Cent issues
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Strong date and readable legends despite even wear
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Scarce variety sought by early American copper collectors and die variety specialists
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Raw and ungraded
Historical Note:
The 1809/6 Classic Head Half Cent is notable not only for being the first issue of the Classic Head series but also for this bold overdate error — the result of an inverted 9 being mistakenly repunched over the final digit of the date. This variety, attributed as Cohen-3, reveals the hand-crafted nature of early U.S. dies and the imperfections that now fuel collector interest.
Issued during the presidency of James Madison, this copper piece represents both numismatic significance and early American minting artistry.
Mintage: 1,154,572
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