Price Guide for 1829 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: $19.00 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $1.65 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $430.00Uncirculated: $130.00 – $1,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $34.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $1,469.00 – $31,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $48.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $34.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,225.00 – $45,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $53,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1829 Half Cent
The 1829 Half Cent is part of the Classic Head series, which was minted from 1809 to 1836. This coin represents a transitional period in American coinage, as the nation was moving towards standardizing its currency. Half Cents were the smallest denomination of U.S. coinage and were primarily used for making change in an era when Spanish colonial coins were still widely circulated.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Classic Head design, featuring Liberty facing left with hair tied by a band inscribed 'LIBERTY', designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding '1/2 CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1829 Half Cent’s value. Coins in circulated grades (Good to Very Fine) are relatively affordable, but prices increase significantly for coins in About Uncirculated and Mint State grades. The copper composition makes these coins susceptible to environmental damage, so well-preserved examples with original red or red-brown color are highly prized.
Mintage: 487,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1829 Half Cents exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the reverse wreath. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. Original mint luster is highly desirable, and coins retaining their original red color are especially valuable. Attractive, even toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value. Collectors often seek eye appeal in addition to technical grade, so coins with pleasing overall appearance may command higher prices.
