Price Guide for 1836 Half Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1836 Half Cent 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.
1836 Half Cent Original, BN (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,415.00 - $4,600.00Uncirculated: $45.00 - $117,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00 - $4,350.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 - $30,000.00
1836 Half Cent Original, RB (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8,500.00Uncirculated: $5,750.00 - $32,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 - $57,500.00
1836 Half Cent Original, RD (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $132,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150,000.00
1836 Half Cent Second Restrike Rev of 1840 Design, BN (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 - $22,500.00
1836 Half Cent Second Restrike Rev of 1840 Design, RB (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,800.00 - $94,875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $23,500.00 - $52,500.00
1836 Half Cent 1st Restrike, Rev of 1836, BN (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,320.00Uncirculated: $13,685.00 - $22,325.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 - $37,500.00
1836 Half Cent 1st Restrike, Rev of 1836, RB (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $33,600.00 - $89,125.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42,500.00 - $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1836 Half Cent
The 1836 Half Cent was part of the Classic Head series, which ran from 1809 to 1836. This year marked the final issue of the Classic Head design for half cents, making it a significant transitional year in American numismatics. Half cents were the smallest denomination ever minted by the United States, and by 1836, their production was becoming increasingly sporadic due to low demand and rising copper prices.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Classic Head) facing left, designed by John Reich |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'HALF CENT' and fraction '1/200', designed by John Reich |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1836 Half Cents. Due to their age and limited mintage, high-grade specimens are particularly scarce and valuable. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly prized by collectors, with premium prices for those exhibiting original red color.
The quality of strike can vary, affecting the sharpness of design details, particularly on Liberty's hair and the wreath on the reverse. Well-struck examples with full detail command higher premiums.
Mintage: 56,000
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, due to its status as the final year of issue and overall scarcity
As the final year of the Classic Head design, the 1836 Half Cent holds special numismatic significance. This status, combined with its relatively low mintage, makes it a key date for the series and highly sought after by collectors.
The presence of original mint luster and attractive, even toning can significantly enhance the coin's desirability and value. Proofs of this date are extremely rare, with only a handful known to exist, and command exceptional premiums when they appear on the market.
The historical context of the coin, minted during Andrew Jackson's presidency and a time of economic change in the United States, adds to its appeal among historians and advanced collectors.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge:
Additional Resources
Trending Coin Values
See what other coin enthusiasts are currently exploring:
Useful US Coin Tools
Explore these handy tools to learn more about U.S. coins:
