half cent

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of half cent

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Gensler says the better option was to lower the cost of the market by reducing the minimum price increment for a stock quote to a half cent from a penny and lower the fees exchanges charge for access to one-tenth of a cent per share from three-tenths.

From Barron's

But now Measure A will replace it entirely, two years before the expiration date, and raise the tax rate to a half cent, which the county estimates will generate over $1 billion annually.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

From New York Times