1855 1/2C, RD MS64RD Certification #10008326, PCGS #1235

CoinFacts Details

Owner's Comments

A gorgeous fire-red near Gem type coin that has nearly mark-free surfaces. The devices are very well struck, although portions of the dentils are softly brought up. Carbon is microscopic.

Expert Comments

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.

PCGS #

1235

Designer

Christian Gobrecht

Edge

Plain

Diameter

23.00 millimeters

Weight

5.44 grams

Mintage

56500

Metal

Copper

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Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - 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.
65 or Better	500	R-6.0	6 / 7	6 / 7
All Grades	500	R-6.0	6 / 7	6 / 7
60 or Better	50	R-8.5	4 / 7	4 / 7

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.
65 or Better	500
All Grades	500
60 or Better	50

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.
65 or Better	R-6.0
All Grades	R-6.0
60 or Better	R-8.5

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.
65 or Better	6 / 7
All Grades	6 / 7
60 or Better	4 / 7

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.
65 or Better	6 / 7
All Grades	6 / 7
60 or Better	4 / 7

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS65+RD PCGS grade	Legend Rare Coin Auctions 5/2018:302, $14,688
1	MS65+RD PCGS grade	Stack’s/Bowers 6/2018:1062, $5,520
1	MS65+RD PCGS grade
1	MS65+RD PCGS grade
5	MS65RD PCGS grade	Col. E. H. R. Green Collection (appraised by F. C. C. Boyd for the Green Estate at 10¢ on 8/9/1937), sold in 4/1943 for 10¢ - Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 55.1.3) - Goldbergs 1/2014:218, $9,488

#1 MS65+RD PCGS grade

Legend Rare Coin Auctions 5/2018:302, $14,688

#1 MS65+RD PCGS grade

Stack’s/Bowers 6/2018:1062, $5,520

#1 MS65+RD PCGS grade

#5 MS65RD PCGS grade

Col. E. H. R. Green Collection (appraised by F. C. C. Boyd for the Green Estate at 10¢ on 8/9/1937), sold in 4/1943 for 10¢ - Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 55.1.3) - Goldbergs 1/2014:218, $9,488