Whitman Expo
Demand for early copper and Colonial-era numismatic treasures drives strong results in Heritage Auctions' July 13 Early Copper & Colonial U.S. Coins Showcase Auction
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The original version variety of the 1843 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1843 was just 21 coins in total of which it is estimated that all have survived. Overall, this is just a very scarce type coin worth anywhere between four thousand to over fifty thousand dollars but only in the finest gem condition. This date is quite unique in that one or two can be found with cameo surfaces.
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:
601
Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1843
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
Variety:
Original
Coin Date:
1843
Denomination:
1/2c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
21
Coinage Type:
Half Cent
Coinage Years:
1840-1857
Composition:
Copper
PCGS #:
1267
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Coin Value History
1843 1/2c Original PR RB
Value By Grade
1843 1/2c Original PR RB
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
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Pricing
Fr. 1267. 15 Cents. Fourth Issue. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58.
$149
Fr. 1267. 15 Cents. Fourth Issue. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ.
$220
Fr. 1267. 15 Cents. Fourth Issue. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.
$366
1843 1/2 C Original PR64 Red and Brown PCGS. CAC. B-1a, R.6. Our EAC Grade PR64. ...
$17,625
1843 1/2 C Original, B-1, R.5, PR65 Red and Brown NGC....
$19,800
1843 Original, B-1a, C-PO4, High R.5, PR65 Red and Brown PCGS. CAC. Our EAC Grade PR64. CAC. ...
$25,200
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR BN [Type]
Worth: $2,000 – $16,800
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RB [Type]
Worth: $3,000 – $24,000
Braided Hair Half Cent 1/2c 1840-1857 PR RD [Type]
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
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Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
