Price Guide for 1856 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: $31.00 – $528.00Uncirculated: $92.00 – $2,990.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.65 – $250.00Uncirculated: $88.00 – $598.88
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,760.00 – $14,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,243.00 – $3,399.28Uncirculated: $2.85 – $24,675.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,650.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,360.00 – $6,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11,000.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $71.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $490.00 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $4,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $70,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $252.00Uncirculated: $141.00 – $1,293.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00 – $7,762.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $8,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,525.00 – $48,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,350.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1856 Half Cent
The 1856 Half Cent represents the final year of regular production for this denomination. Half Cents were first minted in 1793 and were the smallest denomination coin produced by the United States Mint. The 1856 issue features the Braided Hair design, which was introduced in 1840 and continued until the denomination’s discontinuation.
This coin holds historical significance as it marks the end of an era in American coinage, reflecting the changing economic landscape of the mid-19th century when the half cent became less practical in daily commerce.
| 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
The condition of 1856 Half Cents is crucial to their value, given their extreme rarity and historical significance. As proof coins, they were struck with special care, but their preservation over time greatly affects their current worth.
Key factors include:
– Surface preservation: Any marks, scratches, or signs of handling can significantly reduce value.
– Strike quality: Sharpness of details, especially on high points of the design.
– Luster: The original mint luster should be intact and vibrant.
– Color: Original copper color is highly prized; attractive, natural toning can add value.
Coins graded PR65 or higher command substantial premiums, with PR67 or PR68 examples being exceedingly rare and valuable.
Mintage: 40
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in all grades, especially PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and extreme rarity
Several factors contribute to the 1856 Half Cent’s high value:
1. Historical Significance: As the last year of regular production, it holds special appeal for collectors and historians.
2. Extremely Low Mintage: With only 40 pieces produced, each coin is a true numismatic treasure.
3. Proof Status: All known examples are proofs, adding to their desirability.
4. Completeness of Sets: Essential for completing both half cent and 1856 proof sets.
5. Condition Rarity: High-grade examples are exceptionally scarce.
6. Provenance: Coins with notable ownership history can command higher premiums.
The combination of rarity, historical importance, and condition makes the 1856 Half Cent one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics, ensuring strong demand and potentially increasing value over time.
