Price Guide for 1834 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.

1834 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $31.00 – $420.00
    Uncirculated: $1.05 – $3,840.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $26.00 – $876.00
    Uncirculated: $170.27 – $1,725.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $34.00 – $400.00
    Uncirculated: $450.00 – $11,000.00
1834 Half Cent, BN (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $57.00
    Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $12,650.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $136.38
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4,800.00 – $22,500.00
1834 Half Cent, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $47.00 – $258.50
    Uncirculated: $357.00 – $8,518.75
  • eBay
    Circulated: $184.50
    Uncirculated: $735.55
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $550.00 – $12,750.00
1834 Half Cent, RD (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,360.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4,000.00 – $23,500.00
1834 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $34.00 – $360.00
    Uncirculated: $144.00 – $4,080.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $18.00 – $225.00
    Uncirculated: $325.00 – $1,127.77
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $450.00 – $8,500.00
1834 Half Cent Cohen 1, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $385.00 – $26,450.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $500.00 – $8,750.00
1834 Half Cent, RB (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $18,800.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $6,000.00 – $52,500.00
1834 Half Cent, RD (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $96,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $115,000.00
1834 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $14,100.00
1834 Half Cent Cohen 1, RB (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $92,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1834 Half Cent

The 1834 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 a more standardized currency system. The Half Cent, while not widely used in commerce, played a role in small transactions and was particularly useful in regions where 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 hair tied by a ribbon, 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 1834 Half Cent’s value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those exhibiting original red color. Even in circulated grades, coins with clear details and minimal wear command higher prices.

The quality of the strike can vary, affecting the sharpness of design elements. Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable. Surface quality is also important, with collectors preferring coins free from significant marks or corrosion.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 141,000

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens

Original mint luster significantly enhances value, especially if it has a cartwheel effect. Attractive, natural toning can also increase desirability among collectors. The presence of prooflike surfaces, though rare, can substantially increase value.

While not typically collected by die varieties, any unusual characteristics or mint errors could potentially increase value. The historical significance of the Classic Head design and its relatively short production period add to the coin’s appeal among collectors of early American copper coinage.

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