Price Guide for 1805 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: $21.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $1,265.00 – $5,118.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.02 – $1,199.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,750.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $102.00 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $389.00 – $1,404.41
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $3,105.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.55 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $737.90
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00Uncirculated: $5.30 – $9,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,250.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $265.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $661.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $414.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $196.00 – $345.00
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eBayCirculated: $391.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $805.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00 – $1,898.00Uncirculated: $770.00 – $69,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $74.99 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $34,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $60,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,250.00 – $70,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $198.00 – $71,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $121.39 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $4,320.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $8,912.50
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eBayCirculated: $61.00 – $1,740.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $3,750.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,400.40 – $112,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1805 Half Cent
The 1805 Half Cent is part of the Draped Bust series, which was produced from 1800 to 1808. This coin represents an important transitional period in early American coinage, as the nation was still establishing its monetary system and refining its coin designs.
Half Cents were the smallest denomination of U.S. currency ever minted for circulation, and they played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the early 19th century.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (All minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination 'HALF CENT', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1805 Half Cent. Due to their age and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are exceptionally scarce and command significant premiums. Even well-preserved examples in Extremely Fine (EF) or About Uncirculated (AU) grades are highly desirable.
The presence of original red color on copper coins from this era can greatly enhance their value, as it indicates exceptional preservation.
Mintage: 814,464
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small 5, Large 5, and Medium 5 varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Die varieties play a significant role in the collectibility of 1805 Half Cents. The Small 5, Large 5, and Medium 5 varieties refer to differences in the size of the digit ‘5’ in the date. These varieties can command different premiums based on their relative scarcity.
Strike quality is another important factor, as many early copper coins suffered from weak strikes or planchet issues. Well-struck examples with full detail are highly prized.
Provenance can also add value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions or publications.
