1826 Classic Head Half Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1826 Classic Head Half Cent is a United States cent from the Classic Head Half Cents 1809-1836 series — 5th of 13 years in the series. In 1826, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 234,000. This ranks 9th of 13 years by total mintage, above 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. Modest production at Philadelphia. The denomination's utility was declining. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 10 years before the celebrated 1836 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $100 to $1.2K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $18K in AU grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Reich.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.