1834 Classic Head Half Cent

About This Coin

The 1834 Classic Head Half Cent is a United States cent from the Classic Head Half Cents 1809-1836 series — a late issue, 11th of 13 years in the series. In 1834, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 141,020. This ranks 6th of 13 years by total mintage, below the series median of 154,030. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a fillet or headband inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing HALF CENT. Continued limited output. The denomination was approaching replacement. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Struck two years before the 1836 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $100 to $7.3K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $13K in PR64 grade at Stack's. Designed by John Reich.