Price Guide for 1852 Half Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1852 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.
1852 Res Half Cent Small Berries, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,760.00 - $4,200.00Uncirculated: $2,645.00 - $7,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 - $3,700.00Uncirculated: $3,850.00 - $13,000.00
1852 Res Half Cent Small Berries, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,910.00 - $14,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,250.00 - $23,500.00
1852 Res Half Cent Small Berries, RD (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,290.00
1852 Half Cent Original, Large Berries, BN (Proof)
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eBayUncirculated: $309.75 - $623.00
1852 Half Cent Original, Large Berries, RD (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $493,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600,000.00
1852 Half Cent Restrike, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,645.00 - $6,462.50Uncirculated: $38.50 - $16,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,800.00 - $5,460.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,550.00 - $4,100.00Uncirculated: $4,650.00 - $25,000.00
1852 Half Cent Restrike, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,520.00 - $14,687.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,250.00 - $36,000.00
1852 Res Half Cent Reverse of 1840, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,600.00 - $12,650.00
1852 Res Half Cent Reverse of 1840, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18,000.00
1852 Half Cent Reverse of 1856, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,040.00 - $19,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00
1852 Half Cent Reverse of 1856, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,680.00 - $5,750.00
1852 Half Cent Restrike, Lg Berries, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10,063.00 - $192,000.00
1852 Half Cent Restrike, Lg Berries, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $510.00 - $78,100.00
1852 Half Cent Restrike, Lg Berries, RD (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $603,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1852 Half Cent
The 1852 Half Cent is 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 final years of half cent production, as the denomination was becoming increasingly unpopular and less economically viable.
Half cents were primarily used for making change in transactions involving Spanish colonial coins, which were still in circulation in the United States at the time. As these foreign coins were phased out, 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 1852 Half Cents is crucial to their value, particularly given their proof-only status. These coins were never intended for circulation, so most surviving examples should be in high grades.
Proof coins are valued based on the quality of strike, depth of mirror-like fields, and absence of contact marks. The presence of original red color can significantly increase value, with full red specimens commanding substantial premiums.
Due to their age and copper composition, many 1852 Half Cents may show signs of toning or patina. Attractive, even toning can enhance value, while spotting or uneven color may detract from it.
Mintage: 129
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
The 1852 Half Cent is highly sought after due to several factors:
1. Extremely low mintage: With only 129 pieces produced, it's one of the rarest dates in the series.
2. Proof-only issue: No circulation strikes were made, adding to its numismatic significance.
3. Historical importance: As one of the last years of half cent production, it represents the end of an era in U.S. coinage.
4. Type coin status: Collectors seeking a high-grade example of the Braided Hair design often target proof issues like the 1852.
5. Preservation: Well-preserved specimens with original surfaces and no signs of cleaning or mishandling are especially valuable.
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