1809
This year, Congress passed the Non-Intercourse Act, which allowed trade will all countries except England and France. Illinois Territory was formed from the western part of Indiana Territory and the Phoenix became the first ocean traveling steamship when it traveled from New York to Philadelphia. The first American cricket club was founded in Boston.
In Europe, the British and Portuguese drove the French out of Portugal and then invaded Spain. Napoleon continued to make advances in Austria and Italy. Russia annexed Finland and the British East India Company's territory was established by treaty with the sikhs. Beethoven wrote his Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major (The Emperor). George Cayley, an English inventor, built the first successful glider.
The mint reported delivering 222,867 cents in 1809. Walter Breen estimates that 175,500 of these were dated 1809. Only one variety of cent (S-280) is known for this year. This year saw the introduction of John Reich's "turban" style for the half cent, one year after it was introduced on the cent. A total of 1,154,572 half cents were delivered in 1809. This number includes some half cents dated earlier. Six varieties of half cent, C-1 through C-6, are known for this year, including a supposed overdate.
The nicest coins include C 3 (3) and S 280 (1).
Half Cents
Large Cents