Price Guide for 1842 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: $1,650.00 – $3,220.00Uncirculated: $4,553.00 – $39,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,050.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $5,000.00 – $48,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $61.50 – $17,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $47.00 – $30,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $72,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $52,500.00 – $87,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $51.00 – $20,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,763.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,760.00 – $20,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,687.50 – $32,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,250.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,320.00 – $25,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,600.00 – $14,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11,000.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1842 Half Cent
The 1842 Half Cent is part of the Braided Hair series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1857 when half cent production ceased. This coin represents a transitional period in American coinage, as the nation was moving towards decimal currency and larger denominations.
Half cents were becoming less popular in commerce by this time, but they were still produced in small quantities for those who needed them for transactions or as a way to make change.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Braided Hair), designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'HALF CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1842 Half Cent due to its low mintage and age. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors. Even in lower grades, well-preserved examples with good detail and minimal wear are sought after.
The presence of original red color can significantly increase the value, with full red specimens commanding substantial premiums. Conversely, environmental damage, cleaning, or other impairments can greatly reduce the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 39,864
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Berries and Large Berries varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The Small Berries and Large Berries varieties can affect value, with the Large Berries being scarcer and typically more valuable. Strike quality is important, as many 1842 Half Cents were weakly struck, particularly on the obverse.
Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade specimens with a history of belonging to notable collections. The overall rarity of the 1842 Half Cent, combined with its status as a key date in the series, makes it a desirable coin for both type set collectors and series specialists.
