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Guide 9 min read · updated October 2025

7 Discontinued U.S. Coins You'll Never Spend Again

These seven retired denominations shaped everyday American money—then vanished. Learn what they are, why they disappeared, key dates to know, and what typical collector prices look like today.

Key takeaways

  • 1857 ended the large-format cent and the half cent. Congress shrank the cent and abolished the half cent; Flying Eagle small cents took over.
  • "In God We Trust" debuted on the 1864 two-cent piece. It's the first U.S. coin to carry the motto.
  • The Coinage Act of 1873 ("Crime of '73") eliminated the half dime, two-cent, and three-cent silver.
  • The 20-cent piece (1875–78) failed because it was too similar to the quarter. Circulation strikes ceased after 1876.
  • Three-cent silver changed metal/weight in 1854 (to .900 fine silver, 0.75 g), reflecting mid-century silver reforms.
  • Half dimes and the new nickel overlapped (1866–73). The nickel began in 1866; the half dime was abolished in 1873.
  • Recent market pulse: a legendary 1876-CC twenty-cent realized $690,000 (Aug. 2024, Heritage).

How We Ranked (rubric)

We scored each denomination (0–100) on: Historical importance (30), Duration & circulation impact (20), Collector interest & key-date notoriety (20), Design/technical firsts (15), Availability & entry price (15). Ties broken by reader usefulness (clarity, learning value).

The List (ranked)

1) Large Cent (Flowing Hair → Braided Hair), 1793–1857

Why it matters: The workhorse copper of early America and a core "type" for U.S. numismatics. In 1857 it yielded to the small cent, closing the era of large-format pennies.[1]

Specs (representative Braided Hair type): Copper; ~27–28 mm; c. 10.9–13.5 g depending on subtype/year.[9][10]

Why discontinued: Act of 1857 shrank the cent and abolished the half cent to cut costs and improve convenience.[1]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1793 "Chain" cents (AMERI. / AMERICA) iconic early keys.[11][12]

  • 1804, 1807, 1811 scarce; many Red Book varieties prized (S-numbers).[11]

Market context (mid-grade): Common Braided Hair cents often ~$60–$85 in VF–XF (PCGS type pricing; date/grade dependent).[10]

Recent highlight: 1793 Chain, AMERICA, XF45 sold $78,000 (Nov. 2024, Heritage).[12]

Quotable fact: "Large cents vanished with the 1857 small-cent reform."[1]

2) Half Cent, 1793–1857

Why it matters: America's smallest denomination—vital change in the early economy and today a specialized, rich field for variety collectors.[3]

Specs (Classic Head/Braided Hair era): Copper; ~23.5 mm; 5.44 g (Classic Head standard).[13][14]

Why discontinued: The 1857 coinage reform abolished the half cent amid inflation and a move to smaller copper-nickel cents.[1]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1793 Liberty Cap half cent (one-year type) is a classic rarity.[15]

  • Thin-mintage 1831, 1836 debated circulation vs. proofs.[13]

Market context (mid-grade): Classic Head type commonly ~$140 (VF20) – $190 (XF40); choice pieces rise steeply.[16]

Recent: 1793 half cent AU-55 (CAC) reported at $52,800 (Jan. 2024, Heritage).[17]

Quotable fact: "The half cent disappeared with the 1857 shift to the small cent."[1]

3) Two-Cent Piece, 1864–1873

Why it matters: First coin to carry "In God We Trust" (Civil War era), an influential motto that later spread to all U.S. coins.[2]

Specs: Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin & zinc); 6.22 g; 23 mm.[18][19]

Why discontinued: Demand faded post-war; the 1873 Act rationalized minor denominations, ending the 2-cent.[3][4]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1864 Small Motto (key variety).[19]

  • 1873 proof-only (Open-3 restrikes known).[20][21]

Market context (mid-grade): Many common dates trade ~$25–$100 in VF–XF depending on date; reference PCGS/NGC price guides.[18][22]

Auction pulse: circulation-grade 1864 Small Motto brings several hundred dollars; e.g., XF45 $600 (Apr. 2024, Heritage).[23]

Quotable fact: "The two-cent piece introduced the national motto in 1864."[2]

4) Half Dime (Capped Bust → Liberty Seated), 1794–1873

Why it matters: The original U.S. "nickel-value" coin—in silver—that coexisted with the new copper-nickel Shield nickel (from 1866) until the 1873 overhaul.[7]

Specs (Seated types): Silver .900, 15.5 mm; weight 1.34 g (pre-1853) then 1.24 g (1853–73); arrows mark 1853 reduction.[24][25]

Why discontinued: Act of 1873 ended the denomination as the nickel coin took the role.[3][7]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1873 (last year) and earlier "No Stars/With Stars" Seated sub-types; many collectible varieties.[26][27]

Market context (mid-grade): Many Seated half dimes in VF–XF trade roughly $40–$150+ by date; consult current PCGS/NGC guides.[27][28]

Auction pulse: 1873 AU-58 examples trade at a few hundred dollars (Dec. 2024, Stack's Bowers).[29]

Quotable fact: "Half dimes circulated alongside the new nickel until 1873."[7]

5) Three-Cent Silver ("Trime"), 1851–1873

Why it matters: A lightweight silver coin created to make 3¢ postage easy; metallurgy and weight were tweaked mid-series.[30][31]

Specs:

  • Type 1 (1851–53): 0.8 g, .750 silver.[31][32]

  • Type 2–3 (1854–73): 0.75 g, .900 silver; minor design changes.[31][33]

Why discontinued: Consolidated by the 1873 Act amid denomination simplification.[3]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1851-O (only "O-mint" trime).[34]

  • Type 2 (1854–58) and Type 3 (1859–73) subtype collecting is popular.[33]

Market context (mid-grade): Common circulated trimes often sell well under $200; e.g., 1856 XF40 fetched $168 (Apr. 2024, Stack's Bowers).[35]

High-grade: 1851 (MS67) realized $3,960 (Aug. 2024, Heritage); 1851-O (MS65) $2,880 (Mar. 2024, Heritage).[36][37]

Quotable fact: "Mint raised fineness to .900 but reduced weight in 1854."[31]

6) Three-Cent Nickel, 1865–1889

Why it matters: Born from Civil War small-change needs and silver hoarding, it outlived its silver cousin by 16 years.[30]

Specs: 1.94 g, 75% copper / 25% nickel; 17.9 mm.[38]

Why discontinued: Dime/nickel/cent mix made 3¢ redundant by the late 1880s.[3][30]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1885 (business strikes only 1,000; proofs much more common).[39][40]

Market context (mid-grade): 1866 3CN typically ~$15–$110 in circulated grades (NGC).[41]

Auction pulse: high-grade proofs frequently sell in the low $1,000s (numerous 2024 Heritage realizations).[42]

Quotable fact: "Three-cent nickels were practical in 1865—but obsolete by 1889."[3]

7) Twenty-Cent Piece, 1875–1878

Why it matters: A bold experiment that failed. Its close size/design to the quarter caused daily confusion; circulation strikes ended after 1876, proofs only in 1877–78.[5]

Specs: Silver .900, 5.0 g, 22 mm, plain edge.[5]

Why discontinued: Public confusion; Congress and the Mint pulled back quickly.[5][43]

Key dates/varieties:

  • 1876-CC prime rarity; 1877–78 proof-only.[5]

Market context (mid-grade): 1875–76 pieces in VF–AU are collectible staples; top keys bring six figures. 1876-CC sold $690,000 (Aug. 2024, Heritage).[8]

Quotable fact: "Too close to the quarter, the 20-cent died in two years."[5]

Side-by-Side Comparison

Coin

Years

Composition (typical)

Reason Discontinued

Notable Key Dates

Typical Values (mid-grade)

Large Cent

1793–1857

Copper; ~27–28 mm

1857 small-cent reform

1793 Chain varieties

Common Braided Hair ~$60–$85 VF–XF (type pricing)[10]

Half Cent

1793–1857

Copper; ~23.5 mm; 5.44 g (later)

1857 reform/inflation

1793; 1831, 1836

Classic Head ~$140 (VF20)–$190 (XF40) (type pricing)[16]

Two-Cent

1864–1873

Bronze; 6.22 g; 23 mm

Obviated; Act of 1873

1864 Small Motto; 1873 proofs

Many dates ~$25–$100 VF–XF (PCGS/NGC)[18][22]

3¢ Silver

1851–1873

.750 Ag, 0.8 g (1851–53); .900 Ag, 0.75 g (1854–73)

Act of 1873

1851-O; Type 2–3

Common circulated often < $200; e.g., 1856 XF $168 (2024)[31][35]

3¢ Nickel

1865–1889

75% Cu/25% Ni; 1.94 g

Redundant by 1889

1885 (1,000 business strikes)

1866 in circ. ~$15–$110 (NGC)[41]

Half Dime

1794–1873

.900 Ag; 15.5 mm; 1.34→1.24 g (1853)

Act of 1873; nickel assumes role

1837 No-Stars; 1873

Many Seated dates ~$40–$150+ VF–XF (guides)[27][28]

20-Cent

1875–1878

.900 Ag; 5.0 g; 22 mm; plain edge

Confused with quarter; proofs only in 1877–78

1876-CC; 1877–78 proofs

Widely varied; 1876-CC realized $690k (2024)[8]

Notes: "Typical values" are directional snapshots for common dates in mid-circulated grades; always confirm specific date/grade in current guides.

Timeline: Small-Denomination Shake-ups (1793–1878)

  • 1793: First federal coppers—large cent and half cent—enter circulation.[1]

  • 1851: Three-cent silver authorized to ease new 3¢ postage.[30]

  • 1853: Silver coin weights reduced (arrows at date).[24]

  • 1857: Half cent abolished; cent shrinks (Flying Eagle small cent).[1]

  • 1864: Two-cent introduced; first "In God We Trust."[2]

  • 1865–66: Three-cent nickel (1865) and Shield nickel (1866) appear; half dimes continue briefly.[7]

  • 1873: Coinage Act ends half dime, 2-cent, 3-cent silver; standardizes fineness/denominations.[3][4]

  • 1875–78: 20-cent piece launches and quickly winds down (proof-only 1877–78).[5]

Myth vs. Fact: The "Crime of '73"

Myth: The 1873 Act was a stealth plot to demonetize silver and hurt farmers.

Fact: The law codified a new coinage system, removed some denominations (half dime, 2-cent, 3-cent silver), and ended the standard silver dollar—sparking political backlash labeled the "Crime of '73." Historians and Mint sources document both policy aims and the public controversy.[3][4]

FAQs

Q1. Why are large cents treated here as a "discontinued denomination" when the cent still exists?

Because the large-format, pure-copper 1¢ of 1793–1857 represents an obsolete type replaced by the small copper-nickel cent in 1857—a practical discontinuity for collectors and consumers.[1]

Q2. Did the 20-cent piece really look like a quarter?

Yes—similar size and design led to confusion; the Mint halted circulation issues after 1876, striking only proofs in 1877–78.[5]

Q3. What exactly did the 1873 Act eliminate?

Among other reforms, it abolished the half dime, two-cent, and three-cent silver, and discontinued the standard silver dollar—hence the "Crime of '73" uproar.[3][4]

Q4. What's an attainable "starter" coin from these sets?

Often the 3-cent nickel (1860s) in circulated grades (~$15–$110) or a Seated half dime (~$40–$150+)—depending on date and eye appeal.[41][28]

Q5. Are these coins legal to own?

Absolutely. They're historical U.S. issues traded by collectors; fakes exist, so buy certified or from reputable dealers. (See tips below.) (General guidance; always follow local laws.)

Buying / Selling / Collecting Tips

  • Verify specs (weight/diameter/metal) against PCGS/NGC references; counterfeit early copper and altered dates are common.[11][13][26]

  • Use price guides for your exact date and grade. Type-level pricing is helpful, but key dates swing widely.[10][16][22][27]

  • Grade conservatively or buy third-party certified (PCGS/NGC); certification adds liquidity and fraud protection. (Industry best practice.)

  • Mind surfaces. Original, problem-free coins (no cleaning, porosity) command strong premiums in early copper.

  • Cross-check auction comps (Heritage, Stack's Bowers) for recent realized prices on your coin, not just the type.[8][12][29][36][37]

  • Know the law on treasure-trove/hoards and keep purchase records for provenance.

Mini-Glossary

  • Type coin: Representative example of a design subtype used for a short span.

  • Proof-only: A year where coins were struck only as proofs for collectors (no business strikes).

  • Restrikes: Coins minted later than the date shown, often for collectors.

  • Fineness: The purity of precious metal in a coin (e.g., .900 means 90% pure silver).

  • Business strikes: Coins intended for circulation, as opposed to proofs made for collectors.

Sources

  1. "History of U.S. Circulating Coins." U.S. Mint, updated 2024/2025 (page notes 1857 small cent, half-cent abolition).

  2. "The Motto 'In God We Trust.'" U.S. Mint—"History of Coins" (noting first use on 1864 2-cent).

  3. "The 'Crime of 1873.'" U.S. Mint (Denver) historical essay (overview of 1873 Act & controversy).

  4. Revised Statutes of the U.S. Relating to the Mint (Coinage Act of 1873). U.S. Government Printing Office via FRASER (source text excerpts).

  5. "Twenty-Cent (1875–1878)." PCGS CoinFacts (confusion with quarter; proofs 1877–78).

  6. PCGS CoinFacts: "1854 3¢ Silver (Regular Strike)." (specs .900 fine, 0.75 g).

  7. "Cupro-Nickel." U.S. Mint (nickel begins 1866; half dime overlap until 1873).

  8. Heritage Press Release: "1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece… sold for $690,000" (Aug. 19, 2024).

  9. PCGS CoinFacts: Large Cent (1793) diameter/weight context.

  10. PCGS Price Guide: Braided Hair Cent—type pricing by grade (mid-grade benchmarks).

  11. Stack's Bowers Resource Center: Flowing Hair Chain Reverse Cent (specs; mintage 36,103).

  12. Heritage Auctions: 1793 Chain Cent XF45 (Nov. 2024) result.

  13. Stack's Bowers Resource Center: Classic Head Half Cent (specs 23.5 mm; 5.44 g).

  14. PCGS CoinFacts: 1809 Half Cent (lists 5.44 g; 23.5 mm).

  15. Stack's Bowers Resource/others on 1793 Half Cent (type rarity context).

  16. PCGS Price Guide: Classic Head Half Cent—type pricing by grade.

  17. Coin World market analysis: 1793 half cent AU-55 CAC at $52,800 (Jan. 2024).

  18. PCGS CoinFacts/Price Guide: Two-Cent (specs; series pages).

  19. NGC Coin Explorer: Shield Two Cents (series & 1864 Small Motto).

  20. PCGS CoinFacts: 1873 Two-Cent, Open-3 (Proof) (mintage note; auction record).

  21. NGC Coin Explorer: 1873 Open-3 2C (Proof).

  22. NGC U.S. Price Guide: Two-Cent series overview values.

  23. Heritage Auctions: 1864 Small Motto 2C XF45 $600 (Apr. 30, 2024).

  24. PCGS CoinFacts: Half-Dimes & Dimes—1853 law weight change (arrows).

  25. NGC Coin Explorer: Seated Half Dimes—weights 1.34 g → 1.24 g and 15.5 mm.

  26. NGC Coin Explorer: Seated Half Dimes (series page & varieties).

  27. PCGS Price Guide: Seated Half Dimes—date/mint pricing (mid-grade guidance).

  28. NGC U.S. Price Guide: Seated Half Dimes (series).

  29. Stack's Bowers Auction: 1873 Seated Half Dime AU-58 (Dec. 18, 2024 online sale).

  30. U.S. Mint (historical page): 1851 legislation for 3-cent coin (postage rationale).

  31. PCGS CoinFacts: 3¢ Silver (Type specs incl. 1854 change).

  32. NGC World/US Price/Spec pages: 3¢ Silver Type 1 (0.8 g, .750 fine).

  33. Stack's Bowers Resource Center: 3¢ Silver (Type 2–3 design/metal notes).

  34. NGC Auction Central: 1851-O 3¢ Silver appearances.

  35. PCGS Auction Prices: 1856 3¢ Silver XF40 $168 (Apr. 2024, Stack's Bowers).

  36. PCGS Auction Prices: 1851 3¢ Silver MS67 $3,960 (Aug. 2024, Heritage).

  37. PCGS Auction Prices: 1851-O 3¢ Silver MS65 $2,880 (Mar. 2024, Heritage).

  38. NGC Coin Explorer: 3-Cent Nickel specs (1.94 g; 75/25 Cu-Ni; 17.9 mm).

  39. Heritage write-ups / PCGS Auction Pages: 1885 3CN rarity context (1,000 business strikes).

  40. PCGS Auction Prices: 1885 3CN PR sales (2024).

  41. NGC Coin Explorer: 1866 3CN—"in circulated condition worth between ~$15 and $110."

  42. Heritage (May 2024) sale roster: multiple 3CN proofs in PR65-67 at $3k–$7k.

  43. PCGS CoinFacts / PCGS Twenty Cents & Quarters category: confusion with quarter; circulation 1875–76; proofs 1877–78.