1831 Classic Head Half Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1831 Classic Head Half Cent is a United States cent from the Classic Head Half Cents 1809-1836 series — 8th of 13 years in the series. In 1831, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2,222. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, 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. Original strikings are extremely rare. Most survivors are restrikes made in the 1850s. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1836 key date. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $27K. A notable auction result reached $155K in PR66 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. 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.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(4)
1831 Classic Head Half Cent
1831 Proof Classic Head Half Cent - 1st Restrike, Rev of 1836
1831 Proof Classic Head Half Cent - 2nd Res, Rev Style of 1840
