Price Guide for 1847 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: $34.00 – $2,090.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $77,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,530.00 – $5,175.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $78,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,600.00 – $40,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00 – $48,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23,000.00 – $26,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,750.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7,500.00Uncirculated: $2,473.00 – $86,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $52,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $80,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,800.00 – $18,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $31,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,300.00 – $57,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1847 Half Cent
The 1847 Half Cent is part of the Braided Hair series, which was the final design for the denomination. Half cents were the smallest denomination ever minted by the United States, first introduced in 1793. By 1847, the coin’s utility in commerce was declining, leading to relatively low mintage numbers.
| 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 1847 Half Cents significantly impacts their value. Due to their low mintage and age, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Uncirculated examples are particularly valuable, with premium prices for coins exhibiting strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks.
Coins with original red color are highly prized, as most copper coins from this era have toned to brown. The presence of attractive, natural toning can also enhance value.
Mintage: 34,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Provenance can play a role in the value of 1847 Half Cents. Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections or appearing in important auctions may command a premium.
While not particularly common, any mint errors or die varieties could significantly increase the value of an 1847 Half Cent. Collectors should look for doubled dies, repunched dates, or other unusual characteristics that might set a coin apart from others of the same year.
