Price Guide for 1842 Half Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1842 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.

1842 Half Cent 1st Restrike, Rev. of 1856, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $5,760.00 - $20,700.00

1842 Half Cent 1st Restrike, Rev. of 1856, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $14,687.50 - $32,200.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4,250.00 - $45,000.00

1842 Half Cent 2nd Restrike, Rev. of 1840, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,320.00 - $25,300.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $9,000.00 - $30,000.00

1842 Half Cent 2nd Restrike, Rev. of 1840, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,600.00 - $14,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $11,000.00 - $27,500.00

1842 Half Cent Original, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,650.00 - $3,220.00
    Uncirculated: $4,553.00 - $39,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $3,050.00 - $4,100.00
    Uncirculated: $5,000.00 - $48,000.00

1842 Half Cent Original, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $47.00 - $30,550.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $9,000.00 - $47,500.00

1842 Half Cent Original, RD (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $72,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $52,500.00 - $87,500.00

1842 Half Cent Restrike, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $61.50 - $17,625.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $2,550.00 - $4,100.00
    Uncirculated: $4,650.00 - $28,500.00

1842 Half Cent Restrike, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $51.00 - $20,700.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,250.00 - $47,500.00

1842 Half Cent Restrike, RD (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7,763.00

Design and Specifications of the 1842 Half Cent

The 1842 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 in commerce by this time, but they were still produced in small quantities for those who needed them for transactions or as a way to make change.

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 is crucial for the 1842 Half Cent due to its low mintage and age. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors. Even in lower grades, well-preserved examples with good detail and minimal wear are sought after.

The presence of original red color can significantly increase the value, with full red specimens commanding substantial premiums. Conversely, environmental damage, cleaning, or other impairments can greatly reduce the coin's desirability and value.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 39,864

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: Small Berries and Large Berries varieties

Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens

The Small Berries and Large Berries varieties can affect value, with the Large Berries being scarcer and typically more valuable. Strike quality is important, as many 1842 Half Cents were weakly struck, particularly on the obverse.

Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade specimens with a history of belonging to notable collections. The overall rarity of the 1842 Half Cent, combined with its status as a key date in the series, makes it a desirable coin for both type set collectors and series specialists.

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