Removed

I like them better than large cents-- have a draped "spike chin," a classic and one of whatever last version called.

I was "deranged" in from the mid 1980s until the mid 1990s. I collected by die variety.

Half cents are cheaper relative to rarity than their large cent counterparts. I also think that they are more attractive, especially the Braided Hair type.

The troubles are you have a lot of breaks in the date sequence. For some of them the breaks are sold with no coins issued. For others, there are coins you can get, but they are rare and expensive. You can check out the Red Book to see where those gaps are. Don’t be fooled by listed prices. The chances to get a lot of those coins are few and far between.

The trouble with die variety collecting is that you can get only so far. After a while you will hit a wall and going any further will be tough. Most of rare coins are in “strong hands.”

You will also run into the guys who have to collect by die state. They can soak up a lot of coins, especially some of the rarities, which makes building a set harder.

Overall collecting half cents is a lot of fun, but as you can see there are pitfalls and frustrations.

At the last show I was at (not a big show- maybe 30 or so tables) I asked a dealer how he did and he said he sold a bunch of half cents. Maybe the buyer was the "deranged individual" of whom you mention? By the tone of voice the dealer used this transaction seemed to him to be not only surprising but indicative of an upswing in the market.

I think a date set would be doable. Getting into varieties or die state collecting considerably ups the ante....

May be a steep learning curve. I like them but would be uncomfortable in a nervous hospital.

Are you calling yourself a "half-wit"?
Be careful, you might discover half dimes next?

I love old copper no matter the series GotTheBug, and if you can get them at a "bargain price" than all the better.

PS I collect 2 Cent Pieces...………….SHHHHH!

almost an Army of one...

For the Futurama fans
And my first son was born there, so that makes it extra funny to me.

Well, I like half cents, two centers, 3 cent nickels and shield nickels.
So, yeah, there are a few of us out there.
In my opinion, you get a better bang for your buck, and as others have said, compete with fewer collectors.
And I don't think the whales are much interested in the krill we're pursuing....although I may be wrong about that......

I've thought about chasing half cents in the past (really enjoyed them when putting together a 7070), and still consider it from time to time. Maybe in the next few decades I'll get off my butt and do something about it.

Half cents are pretty cool, the non-collectors get a kick out of them because of the odd denomination. I liked the Draped Bust design the best, and like to pick up nice examples when i see them. That's why I have 5 1803's and 3 dated 1800. Sounds deranged if you ask me.

My spiked chin piece:

I still want a nice example of the first year of issue, 1793.
Someday

I have my eye open for the right ones.

Collect what interests you and ignore the opinions of others... it is a hobby, to be enjoyed.... Cheers, RickO

Collecting old copper is a great project. As long as you know what you're getting into like BillJones mentioned, and are armed with a half cent book of some kind, go for it. Best of fun and luck at it.

.....and how could you get tired of seated half collars?🙂

I would buy the Second Edition of Roger Cohen’s “Little Sisters” half cent book, if you can find one. It’s a good compromise between the Breen book, which is a little overblown for some collectors, and the earlier works which Roger updated.

The little half sisters are sadly forgotten

It's Bellevue and Belleville is in New Jersey although there's not much difference in the two

I collected 90 varieties before selling off and moving on, I loved the set. If you do go that route, I strongly suggest the book by Manley also as an excellent source of info. ( with better pictures )