1847 1/2C Original, BN PR55BN Certification #43792055, PCGS #1290

Ron Guth

Proof 1847 Half Cents are extremely rare.  No 1847-dated Half Cents were made for circulation, so collectors have no choice but to purchase a Proof if they wish to own an example of this date.  To satisfy the increased, the Mint restruck 1847 Half Cents with two different reverses, one of which was from 1856.  Original 1847 Half Cents have large berries on the reverse; Restrikes have small berries.

Approximately a dozen Original 1847 Half Cents are known in a variety of color designations.  Walter Breen suggested that some of the Large Berries 1847 Half Cents might be Restrikes, but the jury is still out.  The Norweb and Eliasberg examples were possible candidates.  However, Breen subdivided the Restrikes based on weights and fabric (appearance) and, in the case, of the Norweb example, his recorded weight was 86 grains when the actual weight of the coin was 81.3 grains.  Thus, his theory may not be accurate.

Either way, 1847 Half Cents, be they Originals or Restrikes, are highly desirable coins.