1831 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)

Series: Classic Head Half Cents 1809-1835

PCGS AU55BN

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PCGS XF45BN

PCGS #:: 1156

Designer:: John Reich

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 23.50 millimeters

Weight:: 5.44 grams

Mintage:: 2,200

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: Copper

Auction Record:: $43,000 • AU50BN • 06-21-2020 • David Lawrence RC

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (6)

Major Varieties

1831 1/2C, BN
1831 1/2C, RB
1831 1/2C, RD

Die Varieties

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PCGS Population

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For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	20	R-9.1	2 / 16	2 / 16
60 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 16	1 / 16
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 16	1 / 16

Survival Estimate
All Grades	20
60 or Better
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-9.1
60 or Better	R-10.1
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	2 / 16
60 or Better	1 / 16
65 or Better	1 / 16

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	2 / 16
60 or Better	1 / 16
65 or Better	1 / 16

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	AU55 PCGS grade
2	AU53 estimated grade
3	AU50 PCGS grade
4	XF45 PCGS grade
4	XF45 PCGS grade	(Cohen 1) ESM Collection
6	VF35 PCGS grade
7	VF30 PCGS grade
8	F15 estimated grade

#1 AU55 PCGS grade

#2 AU53 estimated grade

#3 AU50 PCGS grade

#4 XF45 PCGS grade

(Cohen 1) ESM Collection

#6 VF35 PCGS grade

#7 VF30 PCGS grade

#8 F15 estimated grade

Ron Guth:

The 1831 Half Cent is the source of great debate in the numismatic community. One camp calls this a Proof-only date; the other says that some 1831 Half Cents were released into circulation.

Mint Reports show a mintage of 2,200 1831 Half Cents. However, records from this period are known to be incorrect, with mintages often reported in the wrong year. Those who claim that some were made for ciruclation point to this mintage figure and the fact that a high percentage of the known population exists in circulated condition. To date, no one has come up with a convincing, high-grade business strike, but there are several pieces that are clearly circulated Proofs.

Those who support the Proof-only theory dismiss the official mintage figure and they claim that all of the circulated examples started out as Proofs. However, they are unable to explain why so many of the coins exist today and why so many of them are in circulated condition. No other Proof Half Cents of this era follow this pattern, but the 1831 shares a close kin-ship with the 1841 Quarter Eagle (another source of considerable debate over its true status as a Proof or a business strike).