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The 1856 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design. The mintage in 1856 was a very high total with around 225 coins struck in which 50-60 are estimated to survive. The Reverse of 1856 variety is an ideal type coin for the series as there are quite a few to choose from. The 1856 and 1857 round out this denomination with large mintages ready for a fine collection.
According to numismatic researcher, Mark Borckhardt, there are two known reverse dies for the 1856 half cent: reverse of 1854, and reverse of 1856. The reverse of 1854 features a die chip on I, a left-over from 1854. The reverse of 1856 has berries below first A of AMERICA disconnected or nearly so. The branch stem loop right of T in CENT is nearly gone. These features are due to the progressive failure of the working hub.
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:
687
Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Designer:
Christian Gobrecht
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1856
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:
Reverse of 1856
Coin Date:
1856
Denomination:
1/2c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
50–60 est. known
Coinage Type:
Half Cent
Coinage Years:
1840-1857
Composition:
Copper
Rarity:
4
PCGS #:
1329
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Coin Value History
1856 1/2c Reverse of 1856 PR BN
Value By Grade
1856 1/2c Reverse of 1856 PR BN
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR67 |
|
$20,000 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $17,000 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $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 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
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
Fr. 1329. 50 Cents. Third Issue. PMG About Uncirculated 50.
$240
1856 1/2 C B-1, R.6, PR64 Brown PCGS. CAC....
$10,800
1856 Braided Hair Half Cent. B-3. Rarity-4. Proof-66 BN (NGC).
$7,800
1856 Braided Hair Half Cent. B-1. Rarity-7. Proof-63 BN (PCGS).
$3,600
1856 1/2 C PR65 Brown NGC. B-3, R.4. ...
$5,760
$24,780
$2,645
$2,300
1856 1/2 C PR62 Brown NGC. B-3, R.4. ...
$3,220
1856 1/2 C PR64 Brown PCGS. B-3, R.4. ...
$4,440
1856 1/2 C PR63 Brown PCGS. CAC. B-3, R.4. ...
$3,525
1856 1/2 C PR65 Brown PCGS. B-1, R.7 as a Proof. ...
$7,050
$4,140
$3,738
1856 Braided Hair Half Cent. Proof-64 BN (PCGS).
$3,840
1856 1/2 C PR63 Brown PCGS. CAC. B-3, R.4. ...
$4,259
1856 1/2 C B-3, R.4, PR65 Brown PCGS. ...
$7,050
$2,415
1856 1/2 C PR62 Brown NGC. B-3, R.4. The Philadelphia ...
$2,990
1/2C 1856 PCGS PR64 BN CAC
$5,280
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