Price Guide for 1851 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: $35.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $40.50 – $330.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $860.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $34,500.00 – $48,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $47,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00Uncirculated: $1,260.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $72.00 – $823.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $240.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $3,360.00
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eBayUncirculated: $415.00 – $1,930.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $675.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,600.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $140.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $118.54 – $192.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $432.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $471.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,454.40 – $35,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $38,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $52,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1851 Half Cent
The 1851 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 final years of half cent production in the United States. Half cents were becoming increasingly unpopular due to inflation and changing economic conditions, leading to their eventual discontinuation.
| 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 plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1851 Half Cent. Due to its low mintage and age, high-grade examples are particularly scarce. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase value.
– Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than fully brown examples.
Mintage: 147,672
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Rarity and historical significance contribute significantly to the 1851 Half Cent’s value. As one of the last years of half cent production, it holds special interest for collectors of early American coinage.
Provenance can also impact value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections may command a premium.
The overall scarcity of high-grade examples means that even small improvements in condition can result in substantial increases in value, particularly for coins grading MS63 and above.
