The half cent is the lowest face value coin struck by the United States. All half cents are scarce, but the series has never enjoyed the popularity of some of the other series, hence the more common dates and varieties are reasonably priced.

There were various intermissions in coinage, and during most of the period 1836 to 1849 the coinage was very small, causing a very noticeable lapse in the series for collectors. While 1796 is the most valueable date, the originals and restrikes of 1831 and 1840, and rare varieties are all difficult to obtain.

The half cent was authorized to be coined April 2, 1792. Originally the weight was to have been 132 grains, but this was changed to 104 grains by Act of January 14, 1793, before coinage commenced. The weight was again changed to 84 grains January 26,1796 by presidential proclamation in conformity with the Act od March 3, 1795. Coinage was discounted by the Act of February 21, 1857. All were coined at the Philadelphia Mint.