1841 1/2C Original, RD (Proof)

Series: Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857

PCGS PR64RD

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PCGS PR64+RD

PCGS #:: 1256

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 23.00 millimeters

Weight:: 5.44 grams

Mintage:: 24

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: Copper

Auction Record:: $16,100 • PR64 • 01-01-2008 • Heritage Auctions

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	4	R-9.8	9 / 29 TIE	9 / 29 TIE
60 or Better	4	R-9.8	9 / 29 TIE	9 / 29 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 29	1 / 29

Survival Estimate
All Grades	4
60 or Better	4
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-9.8
60 or Better	R-9.8
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	9 / 29 TIE
60 or Better	9 / 29 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 29

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	9 / 29 TIE
60 or Better	9 / 29 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 29

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	PR64RD PCGS grade	Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 5/21/1996:454, $9,680 - ESM Collection
1	PR64RD PCGS grade
3	PR63RD estimated grade	Heritage 2/2007:2091, $8,050 - Heritage 1/2008:2661, $16,100 - Greensboro Collection - Heritage 2/2014:4998, $15,275 - Heritage 6/2014:4262, $14,100
3	PR63RD estimated grade

#1 PR64RD PCGS grade

Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 5/21/1996:454, $9,680 - ESM Collection

#1 PR64RD PCGS grade

#3 PR63RD estimated grade

Heritage 2/2007:2091, $8,050 - Heritage 1/2008:2661, $16,100 - Greensboro Collection - Heritage 2/2014:4998, $15,275 - Heritage 6/2014:4262, $14,100

#3 PR63RD estimated grade

Ron Guth:

The Original 1841 Half Cent is the most common of the Proof-only Half Cents from the 1840s. The same is true of the 1841 Large Cents. Why this situation exists is uncertain, nor can anyone explain the unexpected popularity of the copper coins while the silver and gold coins (with the exception of the 1841 Quarter Eagle) were essentially ignored. Perhaps as many as 30 Original 1841 Half Cents exist, most with Brown color, a few with Red-Brown colorations, and only a couple in full Red condition.

All 1841 Half Cents show a die crack running in an arc from the rim above the second star, through the third through sixth stars, then to the rim above the seventh star. The die crack changes little between the Originals and Restrikes, and David Akers agreed in the Pittman catalog that the crack is just as strong on the Originals as on the Restrikes.