Price Guide for 1811 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: $12.50 – $26,450.00Uncirculated: $3,190.00 – $84,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.00 – $3,790.00Uncirculated: $92.92 – $999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $160.00 – $37,500.00Uncirculated: $45,000.00 – $350,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $45,600.00Uncirculated: $28,800.00 – $204,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $520.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $35,000.00Uncirculated: $40,000.00 – $130,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,950.00 – $27,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,313.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,350.00 – $39,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $336,000.00 – $1,121,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $13,200.00Uncirculated: $52,800.00 – $299,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $45,000.00 – $340,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1811 Half Cent
The 1811 Half Cent is a significant coin in American numismatic history. It represents the last year of the Draped Bust design for half cents, which had been in use since 1800. The half cent, as the smallest denomination coin in early America, played a crucial role in daily commerce, especially for small transactions and making change.
The year 1811 was notable as it preceded the War of 1812, a time of economic uncertainty that would soon impact coin production and circulation. This half cent, therefore, stands as a reminder of the pre-war economic landscape in the young United States.
| 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 surrounding the denomination 'HALF CENT', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1811 Half Cent dramatically impacts its value and desirability. Due to its age and limited mintage, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging. Coins in Very Fine (VF) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
Luster is rarely seen on these coins due to their age and circulation, but any remaining luster can significantly increase value. The color of the copper is also important, with attractive, original red-brown patina being highly desirable. Coins with problem-free surfaces, free from corrosion, significant scratches, or other damage, command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 63,140
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with AU and Mint State examples being exceptionally scarce
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a major role in the value of 1811 Half Cents. As the final year of the Draped Bust design for half cents, it holds special appeal for type collectors and early American coin enthusiasts.
The overall scarcity of the issue, combined with its status as a pre-War of 1812 coin, adds to its numismatic importance. Collectors often seek this date to complete sets of early half cents or as a representative of early 19th-century American coinage.
Any provenance linking the coin to notable collections or historical figures can also substantially increase its value and appeal to advanced collectors.
