Whitman Expo
![Fractional Currency: Fr.1334 50-Cent Head of General Spinner. PCGS Choice CU64 [80007126]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20220603/www_davidlawrence_com_vi_cfm_i_211411-0.20220603233725019.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Whitman Brands walked away with a trio of honors during the annual Numismatic Literary Guild awards, held during the American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
The 1857 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design. The original mintage in 1857 was a very high total of 266 coins in which most have survived. This issue is the ultimate type coin for the series as there are quite a few to be had. They are worth anywhere between four thousand to over twenty thousand in red gem condition. The 1856 and 1857 round out this denomination with large mintages ready for a fine collection.
Obverse Description
Lady Liberty is portrayed with hair tied in a bun, facing left, in what is referred to as the so-called braided hair style. The word LIBERTY appearing on her headband. 13 stars appear continuously around the periphery with the date at the bottom.
Reverse Description
The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery surround a wreath framing the words HALF CENT. The wreath is tied by a bow at the bottom.
Catalog Information
GSID:
695
Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1857
Reverse Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF, CENT
Weight (gr):
5.44 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1749 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
23.5
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain Edge
Coin Date:
1857
Denomination:
1/2c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
150
Coinage Type:
Half Cent
Coinage Years:
1840-1857
Composition:
Copper
PCGS #:
1334
Send Catalog Feedback
To: editor@greysheet.com
Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1857 1/2c PR RD
Body: Referring page: http://beta.greysheet.com/prices/item/1857-red-surfaces-proof-united-states-half-cent/gsid/695 GSID: 695 Title: 1857 1/2c PR RD
Subscribe to View
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
1857 1/2c PR RD
Value By Grade
1857 1/2c PR RD
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR66 |
|
$52,000 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $43,000 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR BN [Type]
![Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR BN [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1845.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $2,000 – $16,800
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RB [Type]
![Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RB [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20200726/ha_com_1278_5039-0.20200726023905628.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $3,000 – $24,000
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RD [Type]
![Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RD [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1843-pr-half-cent-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $6,800 – $60,000
1840 1/2c Original PR BN
Worth: $2,000 – $19,800
1840 1/2c Original PR RB
Worth: $4,400 – $24,000
1840 1/2c Original PR RD
Worth: $7,600 – $43,200
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1840 PR BN
Worth: $2,800 – $14,400
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1840 PR RB
Worth: $10,000 – $24,000
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1840 PR RD
Worth: $21,000 – $36,000
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1856 PR BN
Worth: $3,200 – $15,000
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1856 PR RB
Worth: $8,400 – $13,440
1840 1/2c Restrike, Reverse of 1856 PR RD
Worth: $14,000 – $26,400
1841 1/2c Original PR BN
Worth: $2,000 – $43,200
1841 1/2c Original PR RB
Worth: $6,400 – $54,000
1841 1/2c Original PR RD
Worth: $16,000 – $26,400
Greysheet News
Whitman Publications Win Three 2026 NLG Awards
8/31/2026
Stack's Bowers Galleries to Present Over 600 Impressive Numismatic Rarities in the Summer 2026 Global Showcase Rarities Night Session
Rarities across the spectrum of American coinage are set to cross the auction block.
8/21/2026
eBay Expands Authenticity Guarantee to Collectible Coins
eBay, one of the world's largest marketplaces for unique and historic coins, today announced the expansion of Authenticity Guarantee in the U.S. to a new category: collectible coins.
8/21/2026
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins Wednesday & Thursday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Thursday, July 2, 2026
