half cent

noun

1. a bronze coin of the U.S., equal to one-half cent, issued at various periods between 1793 and 1857.

Word History and Origins

Origin of half cent¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

A coalition of large nonprofits, homeless service providers and labor unions is now backing a measure that would replace Measure H two years before it expires and raise the tax rate to a half cent per dollar.

From Los Angeles Times

A few areas in California still saw prices creep up Thursday, including San Bernardino County, which set a new record Thursday of $6.375 a gallon, up a half cent from Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

According to one historian, boys in Moscow’s spinning mills “earned the equivalent of about a half cent for each frightening and dangerous hour spent darting in and out among the machines to tie threads, replace spindles, or oil moving gears.”

From Literature

The biggest change was in 1857, when Congress discontinued the half cent, which was unpopular at the time.

From New York Times

Both cities plan to ask legislators to allow them to ask local voters whether they are willing to fund up to five local projects by raising their respective local sales taxes another half cent.

From Washington Times