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The US Half Cent 1806 Small 6 Stemless Good is a significant piece of early American numismatics, offering a tangible connection to the nation's economic and cultural development during the early 19th century. Designed by Robert Scot, the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent is part of a series that spanned from 1800 to 1808, characterized by its distinctive design features and historical context.
The obverse of the Half Cent features Lady Liberty facing left, her hair tied with a ribbon inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle her portrait, symbolizing the original states of the Union. This portrayal of Liberty reflects the ideals of freedom and independence that were central to the young American republic.
The reverse displays a wreath encircling the denomination "1/200" and the year "1806." In this variety, the "6" in the date is smaller in size and lacks stems, distinguishing it from other varieties of the 1806 Half Cent. The wreath symbolizes agricultural prosperity, a vital aspect of America's economy during this period.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent was produced under the supervision of Chief Engraver Robert Scot. Established in 1792, the Philadelphia Mint played a pivotal role in shaping American coinage, ensuring quality and consistency in every coin minted. Its legacy includes advancements in minting technology that enhanced the precision and reliability of early coin production.
The mintage of the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent was significant for its time, with approximately 356,000 pieces struck. This figure reflects the demand for small denomination coins in daily commerce and the economic conditions during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. Surviving examples in Good condition, such as this specimen, show noticeable wear but maintain sufficient detail to discern major design elements.
In Good condition, the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent typically exhibits wear that has softened the high points of Liberty's portrait and the wreath on the reverse. Despite wear, key details such as Liberty's profile and the wreath's structure remain visible, offering insights into the coin's original appearance and the era in which it circulated.
Beyond its numismatic value, the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent provides a glimpse into daily life and commerce in early 19th-century America. Small denomination coins like the Half Cent were essential for facilitating trade and transactions, supporting economic growth and stability across the expanding nation. Each coin serves as a tangible link to a period marked by innovation, enterprise, and cultural evolution.
Today, collectors and historians prize the 1806 Small 6 Stemless Half Cent for its historical significance, rarity, and unique design characteristics. Each surviving specimen represents a piece of American heritage, embodying the aspirations and achievements of a nation forging its identity in the early decades of the 19th century.