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Half Cents (1793 - 1857)

The half cent was the lowest denomination coin ever struck by the United States of America. The half cent was authorized for coinage on April 2, 1792. Originally, the weight was to have been 132 grains, but was changed to 104 grains by the Act of January 14, 1793, before coinage began. The weight was again changed to 84 grains on January 26, 1796 by presidential proclamation in conformity with the Act of March 3, 1795. Coinage was discontinued by the Act of February 21, 1857; perhaps because of inflation.  All half cents were minted at the Philadelphia mint.

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