1793 1/2C C-1, BN XF45BN Certification #38658866, PCGS #35003

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

Charles Morgan

Breen-1. Eckberg 1-A. Rarity-3 (Scarce). Estimated Mintage ± 7,000

Obverse Features

This variety utilizes Obverse 1, characterized by a swooping bust line on the figure of Liberty. Key elements include:

  • The letters L and I in LIBERTY are spread apart.
  • Liberty’s forelock is positioned between the I and B of LIBERTY.
  • There is a wide gap between the Y of LIBERTY and Liberty’s cap.

Reverse Features

The reverse is distinguished by an ornate wreath and is typically found with the legend HALF CENT weakly struck. Diagnostic details include:

  • Specific berry placement within the wreath.
  • The denomination is at a slight rightward incline.
  • A dot is visible to the right of the ribbon knot.

Collector Note

This variety is considered by most specialists to be the first 1793 half cent struck. Eckberg suggests it was struck on July 19 and delivered the next day, which would place its estimated mintage at 7,000 pieces. Notably, despite its common Rarity-3 designation, this variety is the least frequently encountered in Mint State.

 

* * *

PCGS #
35003
Designer
Unknown
Edge
Lettered: TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR
Diameter
22.00 millimeters
Weight
6.74 grams
Mintage
35334
Metal
Copper
Pop Higher
7
Pop Lower
13
Region
The United States of America

Condition Census Learn More

Pos Grade Thumbnail Pedigree and History
1 PCGS MS65BN PCGS MS65BN

Frederick Reed Alvord, November 1, 1923; “The Alvord Estate Collection,” S.H. Chapman June 9, 1924, Lot 8 – $68.00; Henry Chapman; Howard Rounds Newcomb, 1935; Newcomb Collection sold en bloc, B. Max Mehl, 1935; Mehl sold the Newcomb Collection to Colonel “E. H. R.” Green, June 8, 1936; The Green Estate; sold April 1943 to Burdette G. Johnson and Eric P. Newman for $30.01; Burdette G. Johnson, February 2, 1947; Burdette G. Johnson Estate, December 15, 1948; “The Charles J. DuPont-Anderson Dupont Sale, Part II,” Stack’s November 11, 1954, Lot 1029 – $675; Harold Shaw Bareford, April 10, 1978; William J. Bareford, June 8, 1984; R. Tettenhorst; The Missouri Cabinet; "The Missouri Cabinet Collection," Goldberg Auctioneers, January 2014, Lot 1 – $379,500. Four thin diagonal scratches at 9 o'clock in the obverse field.
2 PCGS MS64BN PCGS MS64BN

Knightsbridge Coins (London), July 1984; “The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection,” Heritage Auctions, August 22, 2022, Lot 3015 – $111,000. Dark coffee color. Diagonal scratch across cap. Rim break over F AME.
3 PCGS MS62BN PCGS MS62BN

As “Mint State-60+”. Stack’s, August 1985, Lot 1503; R. Tettenhorst; Sold privately in October 1987. As PCGS MS62BN #30451152. “The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection,” Heritage Auctions, August 22, 2022, Lot 3167 – $66,000. Ticks on forehead and chin. Tick at the tip of the left ribbon. Tick near the branch under the first S of STATES.
3 PCGS MS62BN

"Old English Collection"; Stack's, sold privately on 1/18/1956; "The Norweb Collection," Bowers & Merena, October 1987, Lot 1 - $13,200; Stack's, January 1992, Lot 282 - $13,750. As PCGS MS62BN. Stack’s, March 2007. Lot 112 - $74,750.
5 PCGS AU58 PCGS AU58

As PCGS AU55 #08889903. "The Troy Wiseman Collection," Heritage Auctions, September 2006, Lot 65 - $43,125. As PCGS AU58 #25236388. Legend Rare Coin Auctions, May 19, 2016, Lot 1 - $37,600. Diagonal mark in the center-left obverse field. Discoloration on Liberty's cheek. Hit between the rim and TE of UNITED.
PCGS MS65BN #1 PCGS MS65BN

Frederick Reed Alvord, November 1, 1923; “The Alvord Estate Collection,” S.H. Chapman June 9, 1924, Lot 8 – $68.00; Henry Chapman; Howard Rounds Newcomb, 1935; Newcomb Collection sold en bloc, B. Max Mehl, 1935; Mehl sold the Newcomb Collection to Colonel “E. H. R.” Green, June 8, 1936; The Green Estate; sold April 1943 to Burdette G. Johnson and Eric P. Newman for $30.01; Burdette G. Johnson, February 2, 1947; Burdette G. Johnson Estate, December 15, 1948; “The Charles J. DuPont-Anderson Dupont Sale, Part II,” Stack’s November 11, 1954, Lot 1029 – $675; Harold Shaw Bareford, April 10, 1978; William J. Bareford, June 8, 1984; R. Tettenhorst; The Missouri Cabinet; "The Missouri Cabinet Collection," Goldberg Auctioneers, January 2014, Lot 1 – $379,500. Four thin diagonal scratches at 9 o'clock in the obverse field.
PCGS MS64BN #2 PCGS MS64BN

Knightsbridge Coins (London), July 1984; “The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection,” Heritage Auctions, August 22, 2022, Lot 3015 – $111,000. Dark coffee color. Diagonal scratch across cap. Rim break over F AME.
PCGS MS62BN #3 PCGS MS62BN

As “Mint State-60+”. Stack’s, August 1985, Lot 1503; R. Tettenhorst; Sold privately in October 1987. As PCGS MS62BN #30451152. “The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection,” Heritage Auctions, August 22, 2022, Lot 3167 – $66,000. Ticks on forehead and chin. Tick at the tip of the left ribbon. Tick near the branch under the first S of STATES.
#3 PCGS MS62BN

"Old English Collection"; Stack's, sold privately on 1/18/1956; "The Norweb Collection," Bowers & Merena, October 1987, Lot 1 - $13,200; Stack's, January 1992, Lot 282 - $13,750. As PCGS MS62BN. Stack’s, March 2007. Lot 112 - $74,750.
PCGS AU58 #5 PCGS AU58

As PCGS AU55 #08889903. "The Troy Wiseman Collection," Heritage Auctions, September 2006, Lot 65 - $43,125. As PCGS AU58 #25236388. Legend Rare Coin Auctions, May 19, 2016, Lot 1 - $37,600. Diagonal mark in the center-left obverse field. Discoloration on Liberty's cheek. Hit between the rim and TE of UNITED.