united-states-1856-item-3
DenominationHalf Cent (Pattern)
Country / EmpireUnited States
MintageExtremely low; estimated 10-12 examples struck in copper, with fewer in other metals (e.g., 1-2 in copper-nickel).
Obverse DesignFlying Eagle facing left, with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' above and the date '1856' below.
Reverse DesignWreath enclosing 'HALF CENT', with 'ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR' around the rim.
Historical Context
This coin is a pattern struck in 1856 as part of the United States Mint's experimentation with new designs, compositions, and smaller sizes for coinage. The Mint was considering discontinuing the large copper cent and half cent due to rising copper prices and public demand for smaller coins. While the Flying Eagle design was ultimately adopted for the cent (1857-1858), this half cent pattern was not adopted for circulation, and the half cent denomination was officially discontinued in 1857. It represents a significant transitional period in U.S. coinage history.
