Price Guide for 1797 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.50 – $36,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $88.00 – $3,400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $375,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $18,975.00Uncirculated: $10,925.00 – $115,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $66.00 – $1,975.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $23,000.00Uncirculated: $24,500.00 – $260,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.50 – $3,720.00
-
eBayCirculated: $359.95 – $12,998.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $82,500.00Uncirculated: $225,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.50 – $41,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $719.99 – $7,555.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $875.00 – $77,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $353.00 – $195,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $159.50 – $935.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $95,000.00 – $225,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $920.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $575.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $155.00 – $460.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $80,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $549.00 – $745.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $875.00 – $100,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,645.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $36,000.00Uncirculated: $38,400.00 – $402,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $299.99 – $1,950.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $27,500.00Uncirculated: $31,500.00 – $375,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40,800.00 – $103,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85,000.00 – $120,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 – $10,925.00Uncirculated: $10,800.00 – $299,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $865.00 – $33,300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $20,000.00Uncirculated: $22,000.00 – $300,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $234.00Uncirculated: $223,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185,000.00 – $400,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $89,125.00Uncirculated: $172,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $350.00 – $2,151.13
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,100.00 – $90,000.00Uncirculated: $225,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1797 Half Cent
The 1797 Half Cent was part of the early Flowing Hair design series, which was the first official half cent design of the United States. This coin represents a crucial period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during the formative years of the U.S. Mint and the young nation’s currency system.
Half Cents were the smallest denomination ever minted by the United States, and they played an important role in everyday commerce during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
| Weight | 6.74 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing 'HALF CENT' and fraction '1/200', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1797 Half Cents. Due to their age and the primitive minting techniques of the time, high-grade examples are exceedingly rare. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better command significant premiums, with AU (About Uncirculated) and Mint State examples being extremely valuable.
The quality of the strike, presence of original red copper color, and absence of environmental damage greatly influence desirability among collectors. Coins with smooth, problem-free surfaces and good eye appeal are highly sought after.
Mintage: 127,840
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with few known examples in Mint State
Varieties Errors: 1 Above 1 variety, Plain Edge variety, Lettered Edge variety
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens and notable varieties
Variety is a major factor in the value of 1797 Half Cents. The ‘1 Above 1’ variety, where the engraver initially punched the date too high and then corrected it, is particularly prized. The Plain Edge and Lettered Edge varieties also command different premiums, with the Lettered Edge being scarcer.
Provenance can significantly impact value, especially for coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors. Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums over coins with less appealing coloration.
