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 1848 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1848 was just 15 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 twenty thousand dollars but in the finest gem condition with red color it can be worth up to fifty thousand dollars.
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:
631
Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1848
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:
1848
Denomination:
1/2c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
15
Coinage Type:
Half Cent
Coinage Years:
1840-1857
Composition:
Copper
PCGS #:
1297
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Coin Value History
1848 1/2c Original PR RB
Value By Grade
1848 1/2c Original PR RB
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
1848 1/2 C Original, B-1, Low R.6, PR64 Red and Brown PCGS....
$19,200
1848 1/2 C Original, B-1, Low R.6, PR65 Red and Brown PCGS. CAC....
$40,800
1848 1/2 C Original, B-1, Low R.6, PR62 Red and Brown PCGS. ...
$6,462
1848 Original, B-1a, C-PO9, Low R.6, PR64+ Red and Brown PCGS. CAC. Our EAC Grade PR64. ...
$20,400
1848 1/2c NGC Proof 65 RB (Original OGH)
$29,000
1848 Restrike Series VII, B-1b, R.8, PR64 Red and Brown NGC. Our EAC grade PR62. ...
$14,400
1/2C 1848 ORIGINAL. PCGS PR65 RB CAC
$36,425
1848 1/2 C Original PR64 Red and Brown PCGS. B-1, Low R.6. ...
$19,200
1/2C 1848 ORIGINAL. PCGS PR65 RB CAC
$49,938
1848 1/2 C Original PR64 Red and Brown PCGS. Breen-1a, ...
$10,350
1848 1/2 C Original, B-1, Low R.6, PR65 Red and Brown PCGS. CAC. ...
$43,200
$60,375
$94,875
1848 1/2 C ORIGINAL, RB
$7,700
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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In continuing celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, the United States Mint will embark on a "Best of the Mint" program.
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Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
