Another indicator within the rare U.S. coins market is the activity of dealers. Dealers are travelling less and report diminished retail and wholesale activity. There is a lack of fresh offerings for sale especially those more desirable ‘A’ and ‘B’ type coins certified CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation). Rather we see an abundance of ‘C’ and ‘D’ graded coins, which are less viable as collector items for both dealers and collectors. It has been observed that dealers are using the internet to clear their holdings of ‘C’ and ‘D’ class rare U.S. coins at a discount. However it is important to bear in mind, that collecting or investing in those classes of coins is not advisable. Quality is the key and the ‘eye appeal’ is the benchmark to follow.

Other indicators of slowing market activity for rare U.S. coins, is the buying and selling trends of collectors. There is evidence that collectors are curbing their buying patterns and in many cases are offloading some of their holdings from their portfolio. However history tells us that in any market condition, some will make bank, while others will not. For example, the current market condition, where supply ranks over demand, means that those with surplus cash can find bargains in the market, and add to their portfolios.

For those with buying power for adding to their rare U.S. coin holdings it is important to follow the principle of only buying ‘quality’. Quality and value are linked. For example, value is determined by quality, supply, and demand. In a receding market, inferior items, namely the ‘C / D’ grade coins are in less demand, while ‘A / B’ grade coins still command demand. Quality and value will prevail, but sellers need to be flexible on price setting in order to entice conservative buyers in the current economic cycle.

So, as noted above, the current economic downturn is both a curse and a blessing. A curse for those collectors with limited cash reserves, while a potential blessing for those with strong cash reserves. In short, the current times present excellent buying opportunities especially for ‘A / B’ grade coins. For those collectors who do not have the spare cash, do your best to hold onto your coin assets. Despite speculations, the turning of the current cycle is unknown. But what known is that the economy does more in cycles, and if history is our guide, the rare coin market will recover again in the future.

According to some reports, there are some sections of the rare coin market that are faring better than others. For example, early copper items appear to be holding their value. Morgan dollars, especially common dated, and the early commemoratives are declining in market terms. Similarly slow performance is evident for Indian Head Cents and Lincoln Cents. Most early ‘A / B’ type items continue to hold their trading value mainly due to the scarcity factor. These examples offer interesting buying opportunities.

In light of the above, what might be a good plan for rare coin collectors and investors in this current down cycle? It is a simple strategy, buy ‘A / B’ grade coins with an element of rarity. Coins with this profile will always hold their value in a down market and appreciate in value when the market cycle turns. And direct your research efforts finding items with the ‘CAC’ certification.

The collectible and rare U.S. coin market has proven to be stronger than most other investment asset classes. However, as history shows, ‘all boats rise / fall with the tide’. This means that although the collectible and rare coin market has outperformed other investments in recent times, it cannot be immune from pressures from the wider market sentiments.

So to recap:

• Do your best to hold your rare coin assets;
• If in buying mode, look for most early ‘A / B’ rare type pieces
• Focus on rare coins that carry the ‘CAC’ certification

The half cent was among the first coin strikes authorized by the U.S. Congress on April 2, 1792. Designed by Adam Eckfeldt and first released in 1793, it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint periodically until 1857. Its metal composition was of copper and weighed of 6.74 grams. It is the smallest-denomination coin ever minted in the United States. Its small buying power and large size 22mm, led to its unpopularity at that time in history. Production of the Half Cent discontinued production on February 21, 1857.

Though it may appear strange nowadays, the U.S. government once issued a coin worth less than one cent: the half cent. The copper Half Cent started in production on April 2, 1792. During its 64-years in circulation the Government stuck five basic design types of the tiny (0.93-in) coin. The Philadelphia Mint was the choice of location for stricking the first batch of Half Cent coins. A mint Mark was not forged on the coins. The Half Cent's designers and engravers are amongst the most renowned in U.S. Mint history: Adam Eckfeldt, Robert Scot, John Gardner, Gilbert Stuart, John Reich and Christian Gobrecht. Designs for the Half Cent were also translated for use other coin denominations throughout the years. Below is a brief summary of the Half Cent coinage designs.

Liberty Cap

The 1793 Liberty Cap was the first half cent struck and as a result, is a highly coveted coin for today's coin collectors. The obverse design, is believed to be based on sketches made by Mint Director David Rittenhouse, although it is not known for certain who actually finalized the design and the dies for the first Half Cents strick. The obverse features a portrait of “Liberty” facing left. Her hair is flowing behind her, and ascending from the back of her head is a pole that supports a liberty cap. The reverse features a laurel wreath of leaves and berries which circle the value, “HALF CENT”. In 1794 the “Liberty Cap” half cent saw its first design change after only one year of circulation. This design, “Liberty” is facing to the right. While there were many different forms of this design type, the most famed change, other than the direction of “Liberty”, is that she now is wearing her liberty cap. There are varieties which do place the cap held upright by a pole. The reverse remained the same as the previous designs, with a wreath circling the value, “HALF CENT”.

Draped Burst

Starting in 1800, the Half Cents design changed with the introduction of the "Draped Bust" form. The obverse featured a larger version of “Liberty” facing right. The reverse was graced with the existing wreath already in use. The laurel wreath is a close copy of that seen on 1797 Cents. It displays 16 leaves on the left branch and 19 on the right. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the border and the value “HALF CENT” is centered on the coin with the fraction, 1/200 at the coin's lower edge.

Braided Hair

The last design variety in the “ Half Cent” series is the “Braided Hair”. The designer, Christian Gobrecht, used the same Braided Hair conception he used on the cent of 1839. A bust of “Liberty”, facing left, graces the obverse. Her hair is braided into a bun. She wears a tiara inscribed with the word "liberty". The reverse side was a re-introduction of that used on the 1809 rendition. The denomination, “HALF CENT”, is bordered by a wreath, tied at the bottom with a bow, and circled by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.

Given the popularity of this hobby, then is no shortage of buyers for rare and valuable U.S. coins to add to their collection. A quick scan of Ebay listings, for example, demonstrates a vibrant and active market of both sellers and buyers.

This article offers a few tips for to improve the selling process.

a) Know the market value of your coin offerings.
- Use rare coin appraisal services in your local area.
- Use online resources like Ebay for example. Browse or use the search box to find other items for sale that match the items you want to sell. Reviewing these offerings gives you an insight into what buyers are paying for that particular coins.

b) These tips may sounds like a 'plug' for Ebay, but the nature of the Ebay marketplace is a powerful indicator the peer driven supply and demand patterns for a broad range of consumer products. In this light, the seller, you, can not only use Ebay for researching the market value of your rare U.S. coin offering, but also use this platform to actually achieve the selling objective. Take some pics, and I mean quality photographs that are 'in-focus', write an honest description and publish. Done.

c) Here are some some some other resources for selling items from your coin collection online:

List of certified coin dealers
Ebay for selling and buying
Sell Coins
Heritage Auction Galleries
Numismatist Advertising

what is the value of this coin in mint condition? in poor condition?
there arent any markings on the back as to indicate the value.

it also has a hole in the top, the original owner must have wanted to wear it. i have a feeling this will destroy any hopes of selling it, but how much WOULD it be worth?