Braided Hair Half Cent 1840-1857 Half Cent PR BN Values

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Braided Hair Half Cent 1840-1857 Half Cent PR BN Values

Details

The Braided Hair design for the Half Cent denomination will be the last as 1857 would be it for Half Cents as a whole. Christian Gobrecht created this design. The proof examples are actually more vital to collecting than business strike coins in which they were struck each and every year from 1840 through 1857 except for 1853. These proof coins are known as originals and restrikes with the need of a loupe to tell the difference. Restrikes were set to be created around 1858 to 1861 by Mint Director Snowden, when collecting was getting more well known in the United States.

Obverse: 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: 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.

Basic Information

GSID:

74204

Coin Date:

Braided Hair Half Cent

Denomination:

1/2c / Half Cent

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Coinage Type:

Half Cent

Coinage Years:

1840-1857

Composition:

Copper

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

1840-1857

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

5.44 gr

Weight:

0.1749 oz

Strike Type:

Proof

Diameter:

23.5 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

Christian Gobrecht

Obverse Lettering:

LIBERTY, [Date]

Obverse Designer:

Christian Gobrecht

Reverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF, CENT

Reverse Designer:

Christian Gobrecht

Feedback:

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