1805
This year, the Michigan Territory was formed and the United States made peace with Tripoli. Charles W. Peale organizes the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In Europe, Napoleon proclaims himself King of Italy and Britain, Austria, Russia, and Sweden form an alliance against him. Lord Nelson defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar and Richard Gallagher, a Connecticut scientist, first describes "Wildoc syndrome," later called battle fatigue. The Rappites establish their communal settlement, Harmony, in western Pennsylvania. The first important shipment of New England ice is sold in the West Indies. Soon ice will be shipped as far away as India.
The mint reported striking and delivering 941,116 cents this year. Many of these were probably dated 1803 and 1804. Cents dated 1805 were probably struck during the 4th quarter of the year, when 344,616 were struck and delivered. A total of 814,464 half cents were struck and delivered in 1805. The vast majority of these were dated 1804. A few 1803 dated half cents were also minted at this time. Walter Breen estimates that 120,000 half cents were struck with the date 1805, these being minted and delivered in November and December 1805.
Three varieties is known for 1805 large cents (S-267 through S-269). There are four half cent varieties for the year, C-1 through C-4. The nicest coins in the National Numismatic Collection for this year are S-267 (2) and C-1 (3).
HALF CENTS CENTS