Series: Classic Head Half Cents 1809-1835
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | |
| 60 or Better | |
| 65 or Better | |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-10.1 |
| 60 or Better | R-10.1 |
| 65 or Better | R-10.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1 / 14 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 14 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 14 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 1 / 14 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 14 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 14 |
The 1811 Mickley "Restrike" is not a proper restrike in that no Half Cent combining an 1811 obverse and an 1802 reverse was ever made. Rather, this coin was made outside the mint from old dies that had been purchased from the Mint by Joseph J. Mickley in 1816. Mickley created a variety of interesting, fantastic mules using his collection of mismatched dies. His estate, including his coin dies, was offered for sale in 1878 by Moses Thomas & Sons. Before the sale took place, the U.S. Mint repurchased (some say confiscated) the dies and destroyed them.
The number of 1811 Mickley "Restrikes" is unknown, but appears to be in the range of 10-15 examples.
Sources and/or recommended reading: "Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents 1793-1857" by Walter Breen