Half cents have attracted the attention of many numismatists over the years. I consider it relevant to mention that James F. Ruddy, a true connoisseur and student of American numismatics (and my business partner for many years, until his retirement in 1977), began his interest in specialized coinage by putting together a date set of half cents. This was in the 1950s, and a highlight of his display was a beautiful 1796 from the King Farouk Collection.

Budget Recommendations: Build a type set or date set in the following grade categories: 1793 to 1808, G-4 to VG-8; 1809-1857, F-12 to VF-20. Omit rarities (such as 1796, and possibly even 1793) and Proof-only issues. Select pieces with pleasing surfaces.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Start by building a type set of the various half cent designs. Issues from 1793 to 1797 are good buys in F-12 to EF-45 grades. Later issues from 1800 to 1857 are recommended in EF-40 to MS-60 grades. Proof-only issues are good buys in Proof-63 and Proof-64 categories. In all instances pick pieces with glossy, smooth surfaces.

Elite Recommendations: Build a type set or date set in the following grade categories: 1793-1797, AU-50 to MS-60; 1800-1808, MS-63 or better; 1809-1857 MS-63 to MS-65; all of the preceding subject to availability (for example, 1802 is not available in even MS-60 grade, let alone MS-63!); Proof-only issues, Proof-64 or better. Such a high grade collection is recommended, for investors have not significantly skewed the market for early copper coins (indeed, the typical investor would probably be frightened if anyone recommended half cents as an investment!), and a high-grade collection put together with care will undoubtedly reward its owner well.

An overview: Large copper cents of the 1793-1857 years have attracted a sizable following of enthusiasts ever since coin collecting became popular in the mid-19th century. Today, thousands of collectors pursue this specialty. Many belong to the Early American Coppers Club and attribute the die varieties of their coins to the two major references on the series: Penny Whimsy, by Dr. William H. Sheldon, which describes in detail the issues of 1793-1814, and United States Copper Coins 1816-1857, by Howard R. Newcomb, which details the later issues.