This 1804 Half Cent coin is a Business Strike with a Spiked Chin variety. Graded VF Details by NGC, it has a weight of 5.44 grams and a diameter of 23.50 millimeters. The damage referred to in the NGC qualifier is so minimal as to be almost irrelevant. The coin was designed by Robert Scot and minted in Philadelphia, United States. It has been circulated but still has a pleasant appearance. The composition of the coin is copper with a plain edge. The KM Number is 33 and the mintage is 1,055,312. This coin is a great addition to any collection and a testament to the history of American currency. NGC VF Details.

The United States half cent coinage refers to a series of coins that were minted by the United States Mint with a denomination of half cent, or 1/200th of a dollar. The half cent was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, along with other denominations such as the cent, dime, quarter, and dollar. The half cent was produced from 1793 to 1857, and during this period, several design variations were used.

Here are some key points about the US half cent coinage:

1. Flowing Hair Type (1793): The first half cent coins minted in 1793 featured a design known as the Flowing Hair type. These coins were designed by Henry Voigt, the first Chief Coiner of the United States Mint. The obverse (front) of the coin depicted a profile portrait of Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse (back) featured a wreath encircling the denomination "HALF CENT" and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The Flowing Hair type was only minted in 1793 and is highly sought after by collectors.

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3. Draped Bust Type (1800-1808): The Draped Bust half cents were minted from 1800 to 1808. The design featured a portrait of Liberty with her hair tied in a bow on the obverse, facing right. The reverse featured a wreath encircling the denomination. The design was modified slightly in 1808 to make Liberty's profile more prominent.

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5. Classic Head Type (1809-1836): The Classic Head half cents were minted from 1809 to 1836. These coins featured a new design with a bust of Liberty facing left on the obverse, wearing a cloth cap. The reverse design remained similar to the previous issues, featuring a wreath and the denomination.

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7. Braided Hair Type (1840-1857): The final type of half cents minted from 1840 to 1857 featured a design known as the Braided Hair type. This design depicted Liberty with her hair braided and tied with a band on the obverse. The reverse remained largely unchanged from the previous issues.

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9. Cessation of Half Cent Production: The production of half cents was discontinued in 1857 due to several factors, including the rising cost of copper and the decreasing purchasing power of the half cent. By this time, the half cent had become unpopular in commerce, and its value was considered too small to be practical.

Overall, the US half cent coinage provides a fascinating glimpse into early American coinage history and serves as a valuable collectible for numismatists interested in the development of US coinage.