Price Guide for 1846 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: $2,645.00 – $4,080.00Uncirculated: $36.50 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.10 – $215.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,997.50Uncirculated: $65.00 – $23,630.43
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,250.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,960.00 – $26,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,000.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $5,060.00 – $19,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $24,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $50,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,300.00 – $18,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1846 Half Cent
The 1846 Half Cent is part of the Braided Hair series, which was the last design of the half cent denomination. This coin was produced during a period when the half cent’s utility in commerce was declining, leading to relatively low mintages. The Braided Hair design, introduced in 1840, represented a refined version of the earlier Classic Head design.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1846 Half Cents. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. The quality of the strike can vary, with well-struck examples commanding a premium. Original red color is highly prized in uncirculated specimens, while attractive, even toning can also enhance value in circulated examples.
Mintage: 395,400
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None notable for this year
Market Demand: High, due to scarcity and series popularity
Provenance can significantly impact value, especially for high-grade specimens with a history of belonging to notable collections. The overall scarcity of the half cent denomination and its historical significance as one of the first denominations authorized by the U.S. Mint add to its collectible appeal. Die state varieties, while not as prominent as in earlier years, can still be of interest to specialized collectors.
