Price Guide for 1841 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: $121.00 – $11,300.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00Uncirculated: $7,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,350.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,223.00Uncirculated: $3,450.00 – $11,162.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,450.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,175.00 – $34,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,050.00 – $16,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,250.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,693.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $36,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,100.00 – $27,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,100.00 – $25,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $16,000.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1841 Half Cent
The 1841 Half Cent is part of the Braided Hair series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1857 when half cent production ceased. This coin represents a transitional period in American coinage, as the nation was moving towards decimal currency and larger denominations.
Half cents were becoming less popular due to inflation and changing economic conditions, resulting in lower mintages during this period. The 1841 issue is particularly notable for its extremely low mintage, making it a key date in the series.
| 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
The condition of an 1841 Half Cent has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade specimens is extremely challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples may show weakness in certain areas due to the minting process of the time. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. The presence of original red color in copper can significantly increase value, with Red-Brown (RB) and full Red (RD) examples being especially desirable.
Mintage: 24,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Provenance can play a crucial role in the value of an 1841 Half Cent. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command significant premiums.
The overall eye appeal of the coin is also important. Specimens with attractive, even patina are often more desirable than those with spotting or uneven toning. Additionally, the absence of environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, is crucial for maintaining high value in this rare issue.
