Price Guide for 1853 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: $34.00 – $920.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $4,370.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.00 – $293.00Uncirculated: $99.00 – $2,125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $82.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $776.55 – $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $168.00 – $5,520.00
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eBayCirculated: $179.44
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00 – $4,370.00
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eBayUncirculated: $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $3,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Half Cent
The 1853 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 half cent production in the United States, reflecting the changing economic landscape of mid-19th century America.
Half cents were becoming increasingly unpopular and less practical for everyday commerce, leading to their eventual discontinuation just a few years after 1853. The coin’s design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured a more refined and mature portrayal of Liberty compared to earlier half cent designs.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Braided Hair Liberty Head, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'HALF CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1853 Half Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and the fact that many were poorly preserved, high-grade examples are particularly valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is an important factor, as some 1853 Half Cents may exhibit weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. The presence of original red color in copper coins is highly desirable, with Red-Brown (RB) and especially full Red (RD) examples fetching significant premiums.
Mintage: 129,694
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 series popularity
Provenance can play a role in the value of an 1853 Half Cent. Coins with a documented history of belonging to famous collections or notable numismatists may command higher prices. The overall eye appeal of the coin, including factors like toning and luster, can also significantly affect its desirability and value.
As one of the last issues of the half cent denomination, the 1853 Half Cent holds particular interest for collectors focusing on type sets or the final years of early American coinage. This historical significance can contribute to its value, especially for well-preserved examples.
