Price Guide for 1826 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: $1.30 – $18,400.00Uncirculated: $252.00 – $8,338.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $520.00Uncirculated: $249.99 – $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $34.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $107.00Uncirculated: $288.00 – $1,540.00
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eBayCirculated: $99.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.50 – $408.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $16,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $113.01 – $175.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $22,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $141.00 – $10,800.00Uncirculated: $1,293.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.00 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $10,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1826 Half Cent
The 1826 Half Cent is part of the Classic Head series, which was minted from 1809 to 1836. This coin represents a crucial period in early American numismatics, as it was one of the smallest denominations in circulation during the early 19th century. The Half Cent, while not widely used in commerce, played a significant role in facilitating small transactions and providing change in an era when Spanish colonial coins were still commonly used alongside U.S. coinage.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Classic Head design, depicting Liberty facing left, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'HALF CENT' and fraction '1/200', designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1826 Half Cent. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are particularly scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are extremely rare and command significant premiums.
The quality of the strike is an important factor, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes or uneven wear. Specimens with sharp details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, are more desirable. The presence of original mint red color can greatly enhance the value, particularly for higher-grade examples.
Mintage: 234,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate to High, due to scarcity and historical significance
Provenance can play a significant role in the value of an 1826 Half Cent. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command higher premiums.
The overall eye appeal of the coin is crucial. Specimens with attractive, even patina are often more desirable than those with spotty or unattractive toning. Environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, can significantly reduce the value of the coin.
As with many early copper coins, the presence of planchet flaws or minor mint-made defects is not uncommon and generally does not detract from the coin’s value unless they are particularly severe or disfiguring.
