The 1835 half cent is one of the most sought-after coins in numismatic history. It has become a symbol of American economic strength and prosperity, and its rarity makes it an interesting piece for collectors to pursue.
As more examples surface, the value and desirability of this coin continues to rise.
The 1835 half cent was produced by the United States Mint from 1835 until its discontinuation in 1857. Its classic design features Lady Liberty facing left with thirteen stars around her head, representing the original colonies. A laurel wreath encircles her head as well, conveying a sense of patriotism among Americans who collected these coins during their time in circulation.
History Of The 1835 Half Cent
The 1835 Half Cent is nothing short of a revolutionary piece that changed the history of U.S. coinage forever! It was one of America's first coins and had an incredible impact on its economy, making it possible to purchase goods with more accuracy than ever before.
Its unique design set it apart from other coins and made it instantly recognizable, quickly becoming popular among traders and collectors alike.
This classic half cent has survived over two centuries in surprisingly pristine condition despite its age - a little miracle when you consider how many have been lost or damaged during this time!
The obverse features Lady Liberty facing left with her hair tied up in a bun and adorned by stars. She wears a coronet with 'LIBERTY' inscribed across the top and surrounded by thirteen stars representing each state at the time of production.
The reverse displays an intricate wreath encircling the denomination value “HALF CENT” along with the year of mintage at the bottom center.
No collection is complete without this iconic relic! This timeless coin represents American progress, perseverance, and pride - all encapsulated into one small but powerful object that has stood the test of time for hundreds of years.
Whether you're collecting for fun or looking for an investment opportunity, don't miss out on owning your own 1835 Half Cent!
Design Of The 1835 Half Cent
The 1835 Half Cent was introduced to the United States coinage lineup as part of a new set of coins featuring redesigned compositions and smaller sizes. The most significant change for the half cent, however, came in its diameter which had been reduced from 24mm to 21mm. This made it one of the smallest circulating coins produced by the U.S. Mint at that time.
The design featured on this piece is attributed to Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, who designed several other denominations during his tenure with the mint. On the obverse side, an illustration of Liberty wearing a coronet can be seen facing left surrounded by thirteen stars representing each original state.
On the reverse, there is an image of a wreath encircling the denomination ‘Half Cent’ along with two laurel branches crossed beneath it. This small copper coin has become a highly sought-after collectible due to its size and scarcity, making it a popular choice among numismatists especially since mintage numbers were quite low at just over 5 million pieces compared to many others from around that same period.
Overall, these features make this Half Cent an interesting item for any collector or investor looking for something unique:
- Unique composition and small size relative to other US coins makes it a great conversation starter
- Attributed to Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht’s designs adds historical value
- Low mintage makes them rarer than many other coins created around this time
Rarity Of The 1835 Half Cent
The 1835 Half Cent is a particularly rare and sought after coin. Its scarcity in the numismatic world can be attributed to its limited mintage of just over 11,000 coins. This low production level was due to the fact that half cents were already beginning to fall out of use by this point, resulting in fewer people actually collecting them.
The composition of these 1835 Half Cents also made them unique amongst other coins produced during this period. In lieu of copper-nickel alloy used for most contemporary coins, this edition featured an 88% copper/12% nickel blend known as “white metal” which gave it an unmistakable silver coloration. As such, these pieces tend to stand apart from their contemporaries when held side by side with each other.
These features make the 1835 Half Cent highly desirable among collectors and are often considered some of the more attractive examples available today. Their rarity has kept prices high despite being nearly two centuries old; many specimens still fetch upwards of $2,500 USD at auction depending on condition or grade.
Value Of The 1835 Half Cent
The 1835 Half Cent is a highly sought after coin among numismatists. This particular year of the denomination had a low mintage, making it especially scarce and valuable today. It was produced in Philadelphia during the brief transition period between John Reich's Classic Head design (1809-1835) and Christian Gobrecht's Coronet Head design (1839-1857).
The obverse side of this half cent shows Reich's classic head which depicts Lady Liberty with flowing hair tied up behind her neck. The reverse features an American shield surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, as well as the inscription “Half Cent” on both the top and bottom rims. These coins are notable for their high relief compared to other early U.S. coins because they were not struck with enough pressure to flatten out the designs.
The 1835 Half Cent is a desirable collectible due to its limited production and significant historical importance. For these reasons, it commands considerable prices when offered at auctions or private sales; even lower grade specimens have sold for hundreds of dollars each.
With such rarity and appeal, it should come as no surprise that this coin has become one of America’s most beloved treasures amongst collectors and dealers alike.
Collecting The 1835 Half Cent
The 1835 Half Cent is a coveted commodity by coin collectors. It possesses an intriguing history, and its value has only increased over the years since it was minted. Collectors can find this highly sought-after piece of numismatic history with some effort and dedication.
For those looking to collect the 1835 Half Cent, there are several routes available for acquisition. Ebay and other online auction sites offer numerous opportunities to purchase these coins from around the world. Additionally, local auctions or antique stores may have them in stock as well. For more experienced collectors, purchasing from private dealers or through trade shows is also possible.
No matter what route a collector decides to take when seeking out this half cent, they should always make sure that any piece being acquired is certified genuine before making a purchase. This will ensure that the coin being bought is authentic and not counterfeit which could affect its resale value down the road.
Taking these precautions will help guarantee satisfaction with every item added to one's collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many 1835 Half Cent Coins Were Minted?
As the old adage goes, 'a penny saved is a penny earned', and this certainly holds true for 1835 half cent coins.
To numismatists, these rare coins are highly coveted since only around 8 million were minted in total that year. This makes them one of the most sought-after items among collectors due to their relative scarcity.
As such, it's no surprise that many people are eager to know exactly how many were produced in 1835--the answer being roughly 8 million.
What Is The Composition Of The 1835 Half Cent?
The half cent is a denomination of currency that was commonly used in the United States from 1793 to 1857.
The composition of these coins varied throughout their history, with examples minted from copper and bronze-copper alloys.
An example of the former is the 1835 Half Cent, which consists entirely of pure copper.
This coin has a diameter of 20 millimeters and weighs 3.11 grams, making it larger than its successors yet still quite small compared to other denominations.
Are There Any Replicas Of The 1835 Half Cent?
As a numismatist, I often find myself captivated by the fascinating replicas of coins.
There is something truly mesmerizing about holding an exact replica of a coin that may have been in circulation centuries ago.
The 1835 half cent is no exception to this rule; with its captivating design and intricate detail, it's easy to see why so many collectors are drawn towards these replicas.
While there aren't any original pieces available for purchase anymore, you can still get your hands on some beautiful replicas of this amazing coin!
Is There A Way To Distinguish Genuine 1835 Half Cent Coins From Fakes?
As a numismatist, distinguishing genuine coins from fakes can be tricky. Fortunately with the 1835 half cent coin there are some key things to look for when identifying its authenticity.
One of these is the weight; a genuine 1835 half cent should weigh about 4 grams. Additionally, the shape and size of the original design will also help you determine if it's authentic or not.
Lastly, examining any marks on the surface of the coin may provide further evidence that it is in fact an official minted item and not a reproduction.
Are There Any Special Features Of The 1835 Half Cent That Make It More Desirable To Collectors?
For collectors, certain features of a coin can make it more desirable, and the half cent is no exception.
For instance, some collector's prize coins that have been well-preserved over time or were produced in limited quantities such as an 1835 half cent.
This half cent was actually the only year they were minted with any reeded edges - making them highly sought after by numismatists looking for rare coins to add to their collection due to its scarcity.
Conclusion
The 1835 Half Cent is a fascinating piece of numismatic history. It's remarkable that this coin has survived for so long and its composition still remains intact. With just over 100,000 coins minted in total, it's no surprise these are highly sought-after pieces by collectors.
My favorite aspect of the 1835 Half Cent is the intricate detail on each side of the coin. From Lady Liberty facing right to the wreath surrounding her head, each feature stands out even after 185 years!
The fact that such small details can be seen at all truly makes every single one of these coins special and unique.