Price Guide for 1854 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: $37.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $59.33 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00Uncirculated: $195.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $417.00 – $2,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17.00 – $6,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,250.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $322.00 – $5,463.00
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eBayCirculated: $75.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,100.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $180.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayCirculated: $199.99 – $207.00Uncirculated: $121.09 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $8,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $9,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,360.00 – $5,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,100.00 – $9,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,900.00 – $16,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $20,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,487.50 – $12,075.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,600.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Half Cent
The 1854 Half Cent represents the penultimate year of the denomination’s production. It features the Braided Hair design introduced in 1840, which was a modification of the earlier Classic Head design. Half cents were becoming increasingly unpopular and less necessary in commerce, leading to their discontinuation after 1857.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23 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 1854 Half Cent. High-grade specimens are particularly valuable due to the coin’s scarcity and historical significance. Coins in Mint State grades are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The quality of the strike can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas. Original red color is highly prized, as many of these coins have toned to brown over time. Prooflike surfaces can sometimes be found on high-grade examples, adding to their desirability.
Mintage: 55,358
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
Historical significance plays a major role in the 1854 Half Cent’s value. As one of the last years of production for this denomination, it holds special appeal for collectors of early American coinage.
The low mintage adds to its rarity and value. Original mint luster and attractive, even toning can significantly increase a coin’s desirability and price. Any examples with provenance to notable collections or with exceptional eye appeal may command substantial premiums in the marketplace.
