Numismatic

1828 Half Cent 12 Stars Good

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During the early decades of United States coinage, the federal mint produced several lower-denomination coins that might seem unusual to modern observers. Alongside the standard pennies and nickels of today, the nation utilized denominations such as the half cent, the two-cent piece, three-cent coins in both silver and nickel, and even a twenty-cent piece. Each of these unique issues was created to fulfill specific, practical roles in the daily commerce of a growing country. This copper half cent from 1828 represents one of those specialized denominations. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin features the word LIBERTY and the date of manufacture on its obverse side. The reverse face displays the words HALF CENT surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This particular variety is notable for featuring twelve stars in its design, offering a compelling look at the earliest chapters of American metallic currency.