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Why low mintage of early half cents?

I've always wondered why mintages of early half cents were so low.

Look at these numbers:

  • In the year 1800, the US population was approximately 5,300,000
  • From 1793 to 1800, the combined mintage of half cents was 588,762
  • From 1793 to 1800, the combined mintage of large cents was 7,602,163

So, why did the government mint 7.6 million cents by the year 1800, but only 500,000 half cents?

It would seem that, if people really did use half cents when purchasing things, then there would be an enormous shortage of them.

Any ideas?

Comments

  • CalifornianKingCalifornianKing Posts: 1,259 ✭✭✭✭

    As several Bowers books have said. It is easier to make 1 cent than 2 1/2 cents.

  • Batman23Batman23 Posts: 4,999 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I would also think that it was about how many were needed. During any single transaction you only needed a maximum of 1 half cent but up to four one cents.

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very solid rationale for low mintage of half cents. Cheers, RickO

  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,579 ✭✭✭✭✭

    interesting how late half cent production resembles late Kennedy half production.

  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 11,865 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It makes (half-) sense to me too!

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

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