1855 1/2C, BN (Regular Strike)

Series: Braided Hair Half Cents 1849-1857

PCGS MS66+BN

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PCGS MS66+BN

PCGS MS66BN

PCGS #:: 1233

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 23.00 millimeters

Weight:: 5.44 grams

Mintage:: 56,500

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: Copper

Auction Record:: $6,300 • MS66+BN • 11-22-2020 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (6)

Major Varieties

1855 1/2C, BN
1855 1/2C, RB
1855 1/2C, RD

Die Varieties

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Current Auctions - PCGS Graded

Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

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	3,000	R-4.4	7 / 8 TIE	7 / 8 TIE
60 or Better	600	R-5.8	7 / 8 TIE	7 / 8 TIE
65 or Better	100	R-8.0	7 / 8 TIE	7 / 8 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	3,000
60 or Better	600
65 or Better	100

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.4
60 or Better	R-5.8
65 or Better	R-8.0

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	7 / 8 TIE
60 or Better	7 / 8 TIE
65 or Better	7 / 8 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	7 / 8 TIE
60 or Better	7 / 8 TIE
65 or Better	7 / 8 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS66BN PCGS grade
1	MS66BN PCGS grade
3	MS65+BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade
4	MS65BN PCGS grade

#1 MS66BN PCGS grade

#3 MS65+BN PCGS grade

#4 MS65BN PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

The 1855 Half Cent has the third highest mintage of the Braided Hair series. It is a common coin in most grades, up to and including MS-64. Gem Mint State examples are scarce but not rare. Of all the dates in this series, the 1855 is the most common in full Red condition...by far. PCGS has certified over two hundred Red examples, mostly in MS-64. Thus, for type collectors, this is a go-to date for exceptional color and quality.

Both of the 5's in the date are slanted, which was typical of the 1850-1855 Half Cents. In 1856 a new font with an upright 5 was used.

Only one die variety (Cohen 1) is known for this year.