Price Guide for 1849 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: $2.35 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $6,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $82.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $266.41 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $159.00Uncirculated: $216.00 – $36,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $215.70 – $3,980.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,840.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $46.00 – $48,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,400.00Uncirculated: $6,250.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $100.00 – $9,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $92.00Uncirculated: $1,438.00 – $3,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $325.48 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $114.00 – $247.19
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,525.00 – $20,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00 – $24,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,800.00 – $66,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,500.00 – $85,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $129.00 – $911.22
Design and Specifications of the 1849 Half Cent
The 1849 Half Cent was part of the Braided Hair series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1857, when the denomination was discontinued. This coin represents one of the last years of regular production for the half cent, as mintages began to decline in the 1850s due to decreased demand and rising copper prices.
Half cents were primarily used for making change in transactions involving Spanish colonial coins, which were still in circulation in the United States at the time. The 1849 issue was produced during a period of significant change in American coinage, with the introduction of new denominations like the gold dollar and double eagle in the same year.
| 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 the 1849 Half Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and age, high-grade examples are particularly valuable. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) are especially prized by collectors.
Red copper examples, which retain their original mint luster, are the most desirable and command the highest premiums. Brown examples, which have naturally toned over time, are more common but still valuable in high grades.
Key factors affecting condition include strike quality, presence of contact marks, and overall eye appeal. Any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can significantly reduce value.
Mintage: 39,864
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Rarity and historical significance play crucial roles in the 1849 Half Cent’s value. As one of the last regularly produced half cents, it holds special appeal for collectors of early American coinage.
The low mintage of just 39,864 pieces makes this a scarce date, particularly in higher grades. Provenance can also add value, especially if the coin can be traced to a notable collection or has been featured in important auctions.
Toning quality can significantly impact desirability among collectors. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns may command premiums over examples with less appealing color.
