1853 1/2C Braided Hair Half Cent PCGS AU50 OGH

Product Description

An 1853 Braided Hair half cent graded About Uncirculated 50 (AU-50) by PCGS in an Old Green Holder (OGH). This piece displays an original light brown chocolate tone, very nice visible details and overall nice eye appeal. The total mintage for this date & mint: 129,694. Please view our photos for additional information and ask any questions prior to purchase.

The Braided Hair half cent was a fractional denomination of U.S. currency that was minted from 1840-1857. Designed by Chief Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht, the Braided Hair pattern featured a profiled bust of Liberty appearing more youthful and slimmer than the previous ‘Classic Head’ design on the obverse. Thirteen stars encircle Liberty representing the original thirteen colonies, with the date appearing below the neck. The reverse depicts the denomination ‘HALF CENT’ encircled by a berried wreath, and ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ on the outer fields. Collectors will note, coins dated 1840-1852 were restruck and have slight variations, specifically the berries within the wreath. Original strikes typically have large berries, whereas restrikes generally have smaller berries. Other variations for the Braided Hair half cent include the large and small dates of the 1849, and rare proof strikes such as an 1852 graded Proof 65 (PF-65) Red which sold at the Goldberg auction in January 2014 for an outstanding $603,750. All half cents were struck at the Philadelphia mint, and therefore lack a mintmark. Parameters set for the Braided Hair half cent: 100% Copper composition, a total weight of 5.44 grams, diameter of 23 mm and featured a plain edge.