-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 42722
Checkout
The 1808 U.S. Half Cent with the Draped Bust design in Fine (F) condition is a highly collectible and historically important coin that marks the final year of the Draped Bust type for the denomination. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this copper coin represents the end of a short but significant chapter in American coinage history. The Draped Bust half cent was issued from 1800 through 1808, with the 1808 issue being the last before the introduction of the Classic Head design in 1809. In Fine condition, the coin retains considerable detail, making it especially attractive to collectors seeking early U.S. copper coinage that balances affordability with eye appeal.
The obverse of the 1808 Half Cent features the classic Draped Bust design of Liberty, originally created by engraver Robert Scot. Liberty faces right, her hair loosely tied with ribbons and cascading in waves behind her shoulder. She is draped in classical-style fabric, suggestive of Greco-Roman influences that were fashionable in early American artistry. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed above her head, with thirteen six-pointed stars circling the design—seven to the left and six to the right. The date “1808” is positioned below Liberty’s bust. In Fine condition, the outline of Liberty’s profile remains distinct, and many central details such as her eye, mouth, and drapery folds are partially visible. While higher points of the hair and cheek are worn, the overall image is well-balanced, and the date and legends are full and clear.
The reverse displays a simple yet elegant wreath of laurel leaves encircling the denomination “HALF CENT.” The wreath is tied at the bottom with a bow, and the fraction “1/200” appears just beneath it. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the wreath along the coin’s outer edge. In Fine condition, the wreath design remains easily recognizable with visible leaf outlines, although the finer vein details and bow knot may show smoothing. The fraction and lettering are complete and fully legible. The coin’s edge is plain, as was standard for this denomination during the early 19th century.
The 1808 Half Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only U.S. Mint facility in operation at the time. Approximately 400,000 pieces were produced, making this one of the more available dates within the Draped Bust half cent series. However, the relatively low survival rate of early copper coins due to their susceptibility to corrosion, wear, and damage means that attractive examples in Fine condition remain in steady demand. Many early half cents saw heavy circulation, and coins with smooth, problem-free surfaces—especially those without corrosion or cleaning—are increasingly sought after.
The composition of the coin is pure copper, with a diameter of approximately 23.5 millimeters and a weight of 5.44 grams. The soft copper surface of the half cent made it especially prone to wear and environmental exposure, which is why so many surviving examples exhibit surface irregularities or color changes. In Fine condition, this 1808 issue may show mellow brown or dark chocolate toning, sometimes accompanied by small contact marks or rim nicks consistent with its age and use. Coins that retain natural surfaces and even toning are considered especially desirable in this grade.
The 1808 issue is significant not only as the final year of the Draped Bust type but also because it marks a transition period in U.S. coinage. After this year, the U.S. Mint adopted the Classic Head design by John Reich, which debuted in 1809. The change reflected evolving tastes in neoclassical design and improvements in engraving techniques. As such, the 1808 Draped Bust Half Cent holds a key position in type sets and transitional collections, bridging the gap between two major design eras.
Collectors often pursue Draped Bust half cents by date or variety, and the 1808 issue is known to come with a few minor die differences. These include variations in the size and positioning of the date numerals and wreath details, though they are usually of interest to advanced specialists. For the majority of collectors, a solid Fine example provides an excellent opportunity to acquire a piece of early American coinage history with clear design elements and visible lettering at a reasonable price.
Coins in Fine condition are ideal for those who wish to appreciate the artistry of the Draped Bust series without the higher premiums associated with higher-grade specimens. A coin in this grade will exhibit moderate wear on all major design features but retain enough detail for positive identification and aesthetic appreciation. It remains a strong candidate for inclusion in both budget-conscious collections and more comprehensive 19th-century U.S. type sets.
The U.S. Half Cent, a denomination struck from 1793 to 1857, played an essential role in the young nation's economy, facilitating everyday transactions at a time when small change was scarce. Though often overlooked compared to larger silver and gold denominations, the half cent is a fascinating and rewarding series for collectors interested in early American monetary history, copper coinage, and minting evolution. The 1808 issue, being the last of its kind, has added appeal as a historical bookend to the Draped Bust series.
In summary, the 1808 Draped Bust Half Cent in Fine condition is a well-preserved and historically important coin from the final year of a beloved early U.S. design type. With strong date clarity, legible legends, and visible outlines of Liberty and the wreath, it offers collectors an affordable and attractive representation of early American copper coinage. Its transitional status, vintage charm, and connection to the formative years of the U.S. Mint ensure that it will remain a valued part of any early copper or type coin collection.