1805 1/2C Small 5, Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
Series: Draped Bust Half Cents 1800-1808
PCGS AU58BN
- PCGS #:
- 1087
- Designer:
- Robert Scot
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 23.50 millimeters
- Weight:
- 5.44 grams
- Mintage:
- 814,464
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- Copper
- Auction Record:
- $54,625 • VF30 • 01-06-2010 • Heritage Auctions
Major Varieties
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 125 |
| 60 or Better | |
| 65 or Better | |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-7.7 |
| 60 or Better | R-10.1 |
| 65 or Better | R-10.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 5 / 18 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 18 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 18 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 5 / 18 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 18 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 18 |
Condition Census What Is This?
| #1 AU53 PCGS grade |
| #2 XF45 PCGS grade |
|
#3 XF40 PCGS grade
Cohen 2. ESM Collection |
| #4 VF35 PCGS grade |
#5 VF30 PCGS grade
|
| #5 VF30 PCGS grade |
| #7 VF20 PCGS grade |
#8 F15 PCGS grade
|
#8 F15 PCGS grade
|
| #8 F15 PCGS grade |
The 1805 Small 5 Stems Half Cent is a very scarce to rare variety made up of two underlying die varieties: Cohen 2 and Cohen 3, both of which share the same obverse but slightly different reverses.
The nomenclature used for 1805 Half Cents can be confusing. The Small 5 is indeed small but the Large 5 is actually a normal-sized 5. It is only "large" relative to the Small 5. Perhaps the easiest way to tell them apart is by comparing the distance of the 5 relative to the bust. On the Small 5, the 5 is well away from the bust; on the "Large" 5, the tip of the 5 is close to the bust.
No 1805 Small 5, Stems Half Cents are known above Extremely Fine. Most examples have problems of one sort or another: porous planchets, scratches, dings, marks, etc. Nice, problem-free examples are among the scarcest of all Half Cent varieties.
Sources and/or recommended reading: "American Half Cents, Second Edition" by Roger S. Cohen, Jr.