Price Guide for 1793 Half Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $56,350.00Uncirculated: $38,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $719.00 – $10,455.00Uncirculated: $35.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,900.00 – $57,500.00Uncirculated: $65,000.00 – $1,200,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $575.00 – $49,938.00Uncirculated: $66,000.00 – $379,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $8,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,200.00 – $58,500.00Uncirculated: $67,500.00 – $475,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $863.00 – $39,675.00Uncirculated: $28,750.00 – $336,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,375.00 – $2,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,825.00 – $60,000.00Uncirculated: $67,500.00 – $475,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $805.00 – $195,500.00Uncirculated: $25,300.00 – $1,005,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,825.00 – $58,500.00Uncirculated: $67,500.00 – $1,150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $851.00 – $55,813.00Uncirculated: $50,400.00 – $920,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $4,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,950.00 – $67,500.00Uncirculated: $72,500.00 – $1,150,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1793 Half Cent
The 1793 Half Cent marks the inaugural year of the United States Mint’s smallest denomination. This coin holds significant historical importance as one of the first coins struck by the newly established U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. The Half Cent was intended to facilitate small transactions and provide change for the Spanish silver coins that were commonly used in early America.
| Weight | 6.74 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left with flowing hair, designed by Henry Voigt |
| Reverse Design | Chain of fifteen links surrounding the words 'ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR', designed by Henry Voigt |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1793 Half Cents. Due to their age and limited production, even low-grade examples are highly sought after. Coins in Very Fine condition or better are extremely scarce and command significant premiums.
The quality of the strike can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas. Original red color is extremely rare and highly prized. Smooth, problem-free surfaces are particularly important for this issue, as many survivors show corrosion or environmental damage.
Mintage: 35,334
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with only a handful known in Mint State
Varieties Errors: There are no major varieties, but some coins show a period after LIBERTY
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and rarity
Historical significance as the first year of issue adds considerable value to all 1793 Half Cents. Provenance can significantly impact value, especially if the coin can be traced to a notable collection or has been featured in important auctions.
Originality is highly prized, with collectors favoring coins that have not been cleaned or altered. The presence of attractive, natural toning can enhance desirability and value. Due to their rarity, even low-grade examples of 1793 Half Cents are actively sought by collectors and can command substantial premiums.
