Rare half cent sells for $3,383 online – do you have the coin in your spare change?

A RARE half cent minted in 1793 has sold for more than $3,300 online.

Most interestingly, the coin marks the first year of production of the half cent.  

The design is part of the Liberty Cap series, with this particular coin featuring an image of Liberty looking to the left.

Meanwhile, you might be surprised to find out that half cents exist.

In mintage from 1793 to 1857, half cents are considered the smallest denomination ever produced by the US Mint.

“While this unusual denomination might seem useless today, it was an important part of our monetary system back when working wages were $1 per 10-hour day,” Professional Coin Grading Service president Ron Guth wrote in a description of 1793 Liberty Cap coin. 

“The 1793 Half Cent is a scarce date and was one of the very first coins issued by the US Mint.”

The half-cent in the eBay listing sold for a total of $3,383.33 after attracting 45 bids.

That would mean the half cent is now worth more than 67million percent of its original value.

But the 1793 coin is more valuable in higher grades.

For example, the coin is worth $6,343 in average condition and up to more than $41,000 if in an “uncirculated (AU-50)” grade, according to USA Coin Book.

Currently, there are some 1793 half-cent coins listed for more than $10,000.

But before purchasing coins online, make sure you’re aware of potential fakes.

To avoid this, check the seller’s history and whether or not the coin was certified in the listing.

There is also a penny minted in 1793 that features Liberty looking to the right.

One recently sold for more than $8,700 online.

What is your spare change worth?

Half cents aren’t the only pieces that might hold some serious value.

You’ll want to check your change for rare Lincoln pennies, half dollars, dimes, nickels, and others because some of these coins can sell for thousands as well. 

The most valuable coins are usually those with a low mintage or an error, as they're deemed the most valuable by collectors.

To check out if your coins are worth anything on eBay, search the full name, select the "sold" listing and then toggle the search to "highest value.”

It will give you an idea of the amount of money that the coin is going for.

You can either choose to sell the coin on eBay or through a specialist site such as Coinappraiser or USA Coin Book.

In other rare coin news, a quarter recently sold for $5,600 online.

We've explained the Lincoln VDB, 1992, and 1914 pennies and why they are so valuable.

Plus, we show you how to find rare coins including ones featuring Lincoln.