This newest contribution to the half cent literature is the only half cent book to illustrate all obverses and reverses in large, full-color images, this book explores the history and artistry of the half cents from their origins in 1793 to their end in 1857. Much recent research that came from the study of the coins and original government documents is highlighted that has changed our understanding of how and by whom the half cents were made. It also provides updated analyses of rarities, giving us a clear idea of how many of them have survived to this day and why the survivorships vary by type and in a few cases appear to vary by date.