Price Guide for 1850 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: $41.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $10,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $925.00Uncirculated: $368.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $210.00 – $1,550.00Uncirculated: $1,650.00 – $12,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $1.65 – $7,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,700.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17.50 – $43,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,850.00 – $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 – $57,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 – $960.00Uncirculated: $223.25 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $455.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $235.00 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $53,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,910.00 – $78,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7,698.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 – $92,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1850 Half Cent
The 1850 Half Cent was part of the Braided Hair series, which began in 1840 and continued until 1857 when the denomination was discontinued. This coin represents one of the last years of regular production for the half cent, as mintages began to decline in the 1850s due to decreased demand and rising copper prices.
Half cents were primarily used for making change in transactions involving Spanish colonial coins, which were still in circulation at the time. As these foreign coins were gradually withdrawn from use, the need for half cents diminished.
| 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 an 1850 Half Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. The presence of original red color in copper can greatly increase value, with Red-Brown (RB) and full Red (RD) examples being especially desirable.
Mintage: 39,812
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Provenance can play a significant role in the value of an 1850 Half Cent. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command substantial premiums.
The overall eye appeal of the coin is crucial. Specimens with attractive, even toning are often more desirable than those with spotty or unattractive toning. Additionally, the absence of major marks or blemishes is important, as copper coins are particularly susceptible to surface issues.
As one of the last regularly produced half cents, the 1850 issue holds special historical significance, which can increase its appeal to collectors focusing on early American coinage.
