-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 22446
Checkout
The 1804 Crosslet 4 Stems Half Cent in Fine condition represents a notable and appealing example of early American copper coinage. Minted during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, the 1804 half cent is a key issue within the Draped Bust series and reflects the careful engraving, hand-crafted die work, and transitional characteristics that define early 19th-century U.S. Mint practices. As a denomination, the half cent was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and struck intermittently between 1793 and 1857. It served as essential small change in an economy still adjusting to standardized coinage and reflects both the artistic aspirations and practical realities of the young republic.
The Draped Bust design, used on half cents from 1800 to 1808, was created by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Robert Scot. The obverse features a neoclassical bust of Liberty facing right, her hair loosely tied with curls flowing over her shoulder. She wears draped fabric across her chest, evoking Greco-Roman sensibilities common in late 18th-century American design. The word “LIBERTY” appears above her head, with thirteen six-pointed stars encircling her portrait, seven on the left and six on the right, representing the original colonies. The date “1804” is centered beneath. In the Crosslet 4 variety, the vertical stroke of the “4” ends with a serif or crosslet, distinguishing it from the Plain 4 variety. This feature, along with the “Stems” reverse design, makes it an identifiable and collectible die marriage.
The reverse of the 1804 Draped Bust Half Cent displays a central denomination “HALF CENT” within a laurel wreath, tied with a bow at the base. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” forms a circular border around the wreath. The “Stems” reverse refers to the inclusion of visible stems from the laurel leaves leading to the bow, a die detail that helps differentiate it from the “No Stems” reverse also used in 1804. The edge of the coin features the inscription “TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR,” reinforcing the coin’s denomination in relation to the standard silver dollar of the period. In Fine condition, the central devices and lettering remain clear, with moderate wear evident across the high points but with all major elements bold and pleasing to the eye.
The 1804 half cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only operational mint in the United States at the time. The reported mintage for the year was 1,055,312 pieces, a fairly high output for half cents. However, this total includes coins from several different die varieties, some of which are scarcer than others. The Crosslet 4 with Stems variety is one of the more available types from the 1804 issue but remains in demand due to its distinct characteristics and its popularity among collectors assembling type or variety sets. Surviving examples in Fine condition offer a desirable balance between affordability and preserved detail, making them especially suitable for collectors of early copper coinage.
The production of early half cents relied on hand-prepared dies, manually adjusted screw presses, and labor-intensive striking methods. These factors contributed to significant variability in die alignments, strike sharpness, and planchet quality. As a result, coins from the early 1800s often display weakness in certain areas or irregularities along the rims or fields. Collectors today appreciate these quirks as hallmarks of early American minting and often seek specific die marriages that exhibit unique or particularly clear engraving elements. The Crosslet 4 is named for the serifed end of the numeral 4 in the date—a small but distinctive flourish that aids attribution and adds interest for specialists.
In Fine condition, the 1804 Crosslet 4 Stems Half Cent retains considerable visual appeal. On the obverse, Liberty’s outline remains strong, with portions of the hair detail and drapery folds still evident though moderately worn. The stars are generally complete, though a few may show softness or blending into the rim. The date is fully legible, and the crosslet on the 4 is distinguishable with magnification or close inspection. On the reverse, the wreath is still clearly defined, with the stems connecting the laurel leaves to the bow remaining visible. The central denomination and surrounding legend show only minor flattening, and the edge lettering is often partially readable, especially in protected segments.
Collectors are often drawn to the 1804 issue for its position within the final decade of Draped Bust half cent production. The 1804 Crosslet 4 Stems variety in particular provides a tangible connection to early Mint engraving techniques and transitional coinage aesthetics. While higher-grade examples are increasingly scarce and expensive, Fine specimens offer an attractive and historically rich alternative. These mid-grade coins allow the collector to enjoy the full context and craftsmanship of the era without the high cost associated with extremely fine or uncirculated examples. They are particularly well-suited to collectors seeking completeness in a die marriage set or aiming to assemble a type collection of early American copper.
The half cent denomination itself carries a unique historical significance. Its existence from 1793 through 1857 reflects a time when even fractional denominations below one cent were necessary for everyday economic activity. In an age of bartering and coin scarcity, the half cent was vital for small-scale purchases, especially in rural and frontier areas. Its eventual discontinuation was due in part to inflation, a growing reliance on paper currency, and the changing nature of retail transactions. The 1804 issue, therefore, represents not only a numismatic milestone but also a cultural and economic artifact from a time when every cent truly mattered in the daily lives of Americans.
The 1804 Crosslet 4 Stems Half Cent in Fine condition is a well-preserved example of early U.S. Mint production. It combines aesthetic beauty with functional purpose, and despite its wear, the coin retains sharp enough detail to convey the design's full intent and artistry. Whether part of a focused collection on early U.S. copper, a representative piece of the Draped Bust design, or a standalone historical item, this coin offers a rewarding blend of character, history, and numismatic value. Each remaining piece continues to tell the story of early 19th-century coinage, monetary policy, and the practical realities of a growing nation.
As one of the more recognizable and studied varieties of the 1804 half cent, the Crosslet 4 Stems provides collectors an opportunity to explore the world of die varieties and early minting practices without delving into prohibitively rare territory. In Fine condition, it remains an affordable and educational example, offering insight into early American engraving, planchet quality, and copper coin circulation. With its classical imagery, well-struck devices, and die diagnostics, the 1804 Crosslet 4 Stems Half Cent stands as a pillar of early American numismatics, admired for both its historical significance and its enduring numismatic charm.