1857: Saying Bye-Bye To The Half And Large Cent

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 753
jpsned Pillar of the Community United States 2220 Posts	Posted 06/25/2023 2:36 pm 1857 was the last year the US minted the Half Cent and large cent coins. I'm curious as to how things looked in the next several years; more specifically, for how long were these coins in circulation after 1857? The Flying Eagle small cent had been in introduced in 1857 and was also minted in 1858. If I were to get some change that included cents in 1858, I'd most assuredly see the small coins, but could it also include either the Half Cents or large cents (or both)? My gut tells me that the government probably did their best to remove these coins from circulation starting in 1858. I do know that by that time they were both unpopular with the public. But it'd be fun to know how quickly they disappeared from one's change. Anybody know more? Please enlighten us. Thanks. Report this Post to the Staff

Coinfrog Bedrock of the Community United States 94367 Posts	Posted 06/25/2023 3:32 pm A question I've wondered about as well. Just like the introduction of small size paper money in 1928. How long did both sizes circulate together? Report this Post to the Staff
lcutler Pillar of the Community United States 1659 Posts	Posted 06/25/2023 5:43 pm I know there was a big affair where you could exchange your old copper cents for the new small ones, but it would be interesting to find out just how long they kept circulating. Report this Post to the Staff
kbbpll Pillar of the Community United States 4233 Posts	Posted 06/25/2023 6:08 pm Wasn't there a big coin shortage around the Civil War time frame? Seems like 1857 and earlier coins would still have circulated quite a bit but I'm only speculating. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 190135 Posts	Posted 06/26/2023 10:55 am Two earlier topics for review... http://goccf.com/t/33770 http://goccf.com/t/303610 Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
jpsned Pillar of the Community United States 2220 Posts	Posted 06/26/2023 5:48 pm Thanks for the links, jbuck. I was really intrigued--and awestruck--to hear from justcarl, who said that he received large cents in change as late as the early 1940s. SO fascinating! Report this Post to the Staff
Wideglide Pillar of the Community United States 646 Posts	Posted 06/26/2023 9:43 pm Quote: A question I've wondered about as well. Just like the introduction of small size paper money in 1928. How long did both sizes circulate together? I think I can remember my dad having (and spending) large bills when I was a young kid in the early '60's. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 753

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