1857 1/2C, BN (Proof)

Series: Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857

PCGS PR66BN

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PCGS PR65+BN

PCGS #:: 1332

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 23.00 millimeters

Weight:: 5.44 grams

Mintage:: 266

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: Copper

Auction Record:: $11,750 • PR65+ • 12-14-2014 • Legend Rare Coin 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	75	R-8.2	27 / 30	27 / 30
60 or Better	75	R-8.2	27 / 30	27 / 30
65 or Better	5	R-9.7	13 / 30 TIE	13 / 30 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	75
60 or Better	75
65 or Better	5

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-8.2
60 or Better	R-8.2
65 or Better	R-9.7

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	27 / 30
60 or Better	27 / 30
65 or Better	13 / 30 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	27 / 30
60 or Better	27 / 30
65 or Better	13 / 30 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	PR66BN PCGS grade	Howard Rounds Newcomb (valued by Newcomb at $5), sold privately in 1935 - B. Max Mehl, sold privately in 1935 - Col. E. H. R. Green Collection (appraised by F. C. C. Boyd for the Green Estate at $1 on 8/9/1937), sold in 4/1943 for $1.25 - Partnership of Eric P. Newman & Burdette G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.) - Eric P. Newman Collection - Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 57.2.2) - Goldbergs 1/2014:227, $9,487.50
2	PR65+BN PCGS grade
2	PR65+BN PCGS grade
4	PR65BN PCGS grade
4	PR65BN PCGS grade
4	PR65BN estimated grade
7	PR64BN PCGS grade
7	PR64BN PCGS grade	ESM Collection
7	PR64BN PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2009:162

#1 PR66BN PCGS grade

Howard Rounds Newcomb (valued by Newcomb at $5), sold privately in 1935 - B. Max Mehl, sold privately in 1935 - Col. E. H. R. Green Collection (appraised by F. C. C. Boyd for the Green Estate at $1 on 8/9/1937), sold in 4/1943 for $1.25 - Partnership of Eric P. Newman & Burdette G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.) - Eric P. Newman Collection - Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 57.2.2) - Goldbergs 1/2014:227, $9,487.50

#2 PR65+BN PCGS grade

#4 PR65BN PCGS grade

#4 PR65BN estimated grade

#7 PR64BN PCGS grade

ESM Collection

#7 PR64BN PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2009:162

Ron Guth:

The 1857 Half Cent is one of the more common dates in Proof, though our original estimate of the existing population at 250+ seems a bit high and I may revise that figure downward in the future as more data comes in. Probably, 100-150 is a better estimate.

Proof 1857 Half Cents can be found with Heavy Dates and Light Dates. Heavy Dates have strongly impressed digits, while Light Dates are shallow and spindlier. Dannreuther believes this was caused by a lapping of the dies, but positional differences may indicate two different obverse dies. Either way, it appears Mint employees struck Proof 1857 Half Cents on more than one occasion.

The majority of existing Proofs are PR64BN, with but a few examples better. Red & Brown Proofs are very rare, and Red examples may not exist.