Price Guide for 1831 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: $3,700.00 – $43,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $7,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10,350.00 – $80,500.00Uncirculated: $61.00 – $155,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $36,000.00 – $58,500.00Uncirculated: $62,500.00 – $185,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19,500.00 – $45,000.00Uncirculated: $6,900.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $80.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,250.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00 – $80,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $32,400.00 – $50,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33,600.00Uncirculated: $7,590.00 – $61,687.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $87,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00 – $132,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $20,700.00 – $47,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $23,500.00 – $72,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26,450.00 – $66,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $125,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1831 Half Cent
The 1831 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 system. Half Cents were the smallest denomination issued by the United States Mint and were primarily used for making change in an era when Spanish colonial coins were still in circulation.
| 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 flowing hair, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the words 'HALF CENT' and the fraction '1/200', designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1831 Half Cent due to its rarity and low mintage. Coins in Very Fine (VF) condition or better command significant premiums. The scarcity of high-grade examples makes Extremely Fine (XF) and above particularly valuable.
Collectors pay close attention to the quality of the strike, as weak strikes can affect the coin’s overall appeal. The presence of original red color in copper can greatly enhance value, with Red-Brown (RB) and full Red (RD) examples being highly sought after.
Mintage: 2,200
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above XF45, with very few Mint State examples known
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Provenance can play a significant role in the value of 1831 Half Cents. Coins with a documented history in famous collections or notable auctions often command higher prices.
The overall eye appeal is important, with coins displaying attractive, even patina being more desirable. Any signs of environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, can significantly reduce value.
As a key date in the Classic Head series, the 1831 Half Cent is in high demand among type set collectors and series specialists alike, which helps maintain its strong market position.
