Price Guide for 1843 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: $121.00 – $4,888.00Uncirculated: $46.00 – $89,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,840.00 – $5,463.00Uncirculated: $47.50 – $10,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $25,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,820.00 – $40,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $73,437.50
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eBayCirculated: $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $95,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00 – $13,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $36,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $33,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,300.00 – $18,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $260.06
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,600.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1843 Half Cent
The 1843 Half Cent is part of the Braided Hair series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1857 when the denomination was discontinued. This coin represents a late period in the half cent’s history, as the denomination was becoming less practical due to inflation and changing economic conditions.
Christian Gobrecht’s design featured a more mature and classical representation of Liberty, reflecting the artistic trends of the era. The 1843 issue is notable for its relatively low mintage, making it an interesting coin for collectors of early American copper.
| 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
The condition of an 1843 Half Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its age and the soft nature of copper, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are quite rare and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Surface preservation: Free from significant marks or scratches
2. Strike quality: Well-defined details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath
3. Color: Original red or red-brown color is highly prized
4. Luster: Presence of original mint luster, particularly on uncirculated examples
Mintage: 262,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of an 1843 Half Cent:
1. Originality: Coins with original surfaces, free from cleaning or alteration, are more desirable
2. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance appeal and value
3. Strike characteristics: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable
4. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists
5. Provenance: Coins with a known history or from famous collections can command a premium
As with many copper coins of this era, the 1843 Half Cent can be challenging to find in high grades, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable to collectors and numismatists.
