The 1828 half cent is an important piece of early American currency. It was one of the first coins minted by the United States government and remains collectible to this day.
It's a highly sought-after item among numismatists, who prize its unique design and history.
In this article we'll explore the features that make the 1828 half cent such an interesting coin for collectors and investors alike.
Historical Context Of The 1828 Half Cent
The 1828 Half Cent is an iconic part of American numismatic history. This coin was issued by the United States Mint in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and had a distinctive design that has become widely recognizable over time.
As one of the first coins to be struck after the Coinage Act of 1792, it played a pivotal role in establishing America's currency system which remains largely unchanged today.
At the time of its release, this coin featured Lady Liberty on the obverse side with a denomination value of 'Half Cent' inscribed above her head. On the reverse side was an eagle surrounded by thirteen stars representing each original colony.
The striking process used for these coins involved pressing them between two dies – one bearing an incuse version of the image and another convex die- creating a raised effect. Despite its relatively small size and low face value, many examples have survived over time thanks to its durability and lasting popularity among collectors.
This half cent has seen numerous imitations throughout its lifetime as counterfeits were made from pewter or other metals often mistaken for copper in order to deceive unsuspecting buyers at market prices far lower than those charged by legitimate sellers. Today, genuine specimens are highly sought after by novice and experienced collectors alike due to their historic significance and aesthetic appeal- making them some of the most valuable pieces within any collection.
The Design Of The 1828 Half Cent
The 1828 Half Cent is a coin of immeasurable historical significance. As one holds the piece, they can almost feel its age radiating from it – like an ancient relic that has been frozen in time and uncovered to reveal secrets untold. Yet this small copper coin carries much more than just nostalgia; its design embodies a story of American history that dates back nearly two centuries.
As numismatists well know, the obverse features Lady Liberty facing left with flowing hair beneath her cap inscribed “LIBERTY”. Her facial features are delicately engraved, exemplifying the craftsmanship of early 19th-century artisans. Behind her, thirteen stars encircle the date denoting the year of mintage: 1828.
What stands out most about the reverse side however, is its simple yet effective composition – consisting only of 13 circles arranged in a circle pattern representing each state at the time along with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounding them for emphasis. It captures perfectly how far America had come as a nation since its inception barely 50 years prior.
This captivating design makes clear why many collectors consider this half cent so special - it serves as a tangible reminder of our past while honoring those who created it over 180 years ago. Its beauty lies not only in aesthetics but also in its cultural value which will continue to be appreciated by generations to come.
Rarity Of The 1828 Half Cent
The 1828 half cent is an exceptionally rare coin that has been highly sought after by numismatists for its historical significance. It was the last year of production for this denomination, and as a result they are quite difficult to find in any condition. This makes them particularly desirable, even among veteran collectors:
Only 3,000 pieces were minted;
Less than 250 examples have been graded by PCGS or NGC combined;
Many specimens exhibit signs of wear or damage due to their age;
Very few uncirculated coins remain in existence today.
Due to these scarcity factors, the 1828 Half Cent can command prices well into the thousands of dollars depending on the grade and rarity level. For example, a MS-63 Red Brown example sold at auction for $4500 in 2015 - a testament to how valuable this issue still remains nearly two centuries later! Consequently, it is no wonder why so many numismatists pursue this iconic classic piece with such enthusiasm.
Value Of The 1828 Half Cent
The 1828 Half Cent is an important coin for collectors of United States currency. It was one of the first coins to feature President Andrew Jackson, who had just been elected in 1827 and went on to become one of America's most beloved presidents. The coin was minted from copper with a diameter of 19 millimeters and a weight 8.75 grains or 0.58 grams.
It has two distinct varieties – the normal issue struck at Philadelphia (no mintmark) and a rarer variety with a small “8” punch-marked beneath the eagle on the reverse side that was produced only at New Orleans (mintmark: O).
While both varieties are scarce, examples without any flaws sell for prices ranging from $2,000 -$3,500 depending on condition. Collectors seek out this classic half cent because it represents an important time period in U.S history when gold and silver were beginning to gain favor as more reliable forms of currency than paper money. Its scarcity makes it highly desirable amongst numismatists which drives up its value even further.
Collecting The 1828 Half Cent
The 1828 Half Cent is a unique and desirable coin for numismatists. It was the only year of mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Collecting this piece can be quite rewarding, as it has many interesting aspects to explore:
- Its rarity makes it an attractive addition to any collection.
- Its design is intricate and detailed, with a wreath surrounding Lady Liberty on the obverse side and a 13 stars pattern around the edge of the reverse face.
- The Lady Liberty portrait has been described as 'elegant' and 'beautiful'.
- The 13 stars represent each of the original colonies that formed America in 1776.
Understanding its history also adds another layer of interest. This half cent was made during President John Quincy Adams’ term (1825–29). As such, it serves as a reminder of his presidency — which included signing multiple treaties promoting peace between foreign countries — and is symbolic of our nation's rich political past.
Given all these factors, collecting the 1828 Half Cent is an opportunity not to be missed; its value lies both in its monetary worth and historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find The 1828 Half Cent For Sale?
As a numismatist, I always recommend collectors to purchase coins from reliable sources.
When it comes to the half cent, there are several options available for sale. The 1828 half cent is one of the most sought after pieces in this series and can be found on auction sites such as eBay or Heritage Auctions.
It's important to be aware that these coins may not come with an accompanying certification, so buyers should carefully inspect each piece before making their purchase.
Does The 1828 Half Cent Have Any Numismatic Value?
Yes, the half cent has a numismatic value. It is collected by many numismatists due to its rarity and age.
The 1828 half cent is particularly sought after as it was minted during a period when few coins were being produced. As such, this coin carries a premium price among collectors and can be found in auctions or private sales for varying amounts depending on its condition.
How Many 1828 Half Cents Were Minted?
The 1828 half cent is a symbol of American numismatic history. It was one of the first coins to be minted by the United States and remains highly sought-after today.
While exact numbers are unknown, experts suggest that only around 2 million were produced in total - making them rare and valuable pieces for any collector.
Highly prized among numismatists, this coin stands as a testament to our nation's rich heritage.
What Is The Difference Between A Half Cent And A Cent?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the difference between a half cent and a cent is quite significant.
The half cent was minted from 1793 to 1857 in denominations of one-half, one-fourth and one-eighth of a cent while cents have been released in different versions since 1793 but with only their standard denomination.
Half cents are much rarer than cents due to their lower mintage numbers and higher production costs compared to those of contemporary coins such as large cents or silver coins.
Are There Any Other Coins From The Same Year As The 1828 Half Cent?
Numismatists may be interested to know that there are other coins from the same year as a 1828 half cent.
Many of these coins, including large cents and half dimes, were produced in the United States during this time period.
While they may not all have the same value or rarity of a 1828 half cent, they can still be found in collections and offer an interesting look into early American currency.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the 1828 Half Cent is an incredibly sought after coin. With its rarity and unique design, it holds great value for those who collect early American coins.
It's truly remarkable to think that only 11,056 of these special coins were minted in 1828, making them quite rare indeed. This alluring coin has become increasingly difficult to find over time but still remains highly coveted by experts in the field.
For collectors looking to add this piece of history to their collection they should be prepared to pay top dollar as the demand for this particular half cent continues to grow.