United States ½ cent 1842 

• 1842 
• KM# 70 
• United States 
• 0,50 cent 

8603667

Coins

United States ½ cent 1842

1842

Bay leaves, Laurel branches, Leaves, Liberty Head, Ribbons, Stars, Twigs, Wreath

5.44

23

LIBERTY 1842

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF CENT

Plain

KM# 70

In 1840, the new Braided Hair design was introduced to the half cents, having been used for large cents briefly in 1839. Only proof half cents were coined from 1840 through 1848, and all of these dates were restruck in the late 1850s, probably 1858 or 1859. There were actually two different series of restrikes, known today as First Restrikes and Second Restrikes. Each of these two series were coined from common reverse dies, and it is the difference between the two reverses that pinpoint attribution today. Originals have large berries in the wreath. First Restrikes have small berries, and also have the T in cent sharply doubled along the right side of the upright. Second Restrikes have small berries, and also have die file marks from the border over RICA. Half Cents from 1840 through 1848 were not made for circulation; the limited production was intended for inclusion in Proof Sets and Presentation Sets of the period.