Price Guide for 1853 Half Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1853 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.
1853 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $34.00 - $920.00Uncirculated: $2.50 - $4,370.00
-
eBayCirculated: $31.00 - $293.00Uncirculated: $99.00 - $2,125.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 - $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 - $5,250.00
1853 Half Cent, RB (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $82.00 - $230.00Uncirculated: $1.60 - $4,313.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $776.55 - $875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 - $14,500.00
1853 Half Cent Cohen 1, RB (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00 - $4,370.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $800.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 - $3,750.00
1853 Half Cent, RD (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 - $6,000.00
1853 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 - $376.00Uncirculated: $168.00 - $5,520.00
-
eBayCirculated: $179.44
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 - $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 - $2,400.00
Design and Specifications of the 1853 Half Cent
The 1853 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 half cent production in the United States, reflecting the changing economic landscape of mid-19th century America.
Half cents were becoming increasingly unpopular and less practical for everyday commerce, leading to their eventual discontinuation just a few years after 1853. The coin's design, created by Christian Gobrecht, featured a more refined and mature portrayal of Liberty compared to earlier half cent designs.
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Braided Hair Liberty Head, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'HALF CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1853 Half Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and the fact that many were poorly preserved, high-grade examples are particularly valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are highly sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is an important factor, as some 1853 Half Cents may exhibit weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. The presence of original red color in copper coins is highly desirable, with Red-Brown (RB) and especially full Red (RD) examples fetching significant premiums.
Mintage: 129,694
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 low mintage and series popularity
Provenance can play a role in the value of an 1853 Half Cent. Coins with a documented history of belonging to famous collections or notable numismatists may command higher prices. The overall eye appeal of the coin, including factors like toning and luster, can also significantly affect its desirability and value.
As one of the last issues of the half cent denomination, the 1853 Half Cent holds particular interest for collectors focusing on type sets or the final years of early American coinage. This historical significance can contribute to its value, especially for well-preserved examples.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge
Coin Value Checker
Free US coin value lookup with real-world market prices
Coin Analysis Tool
Identify, value, grade, and authenticate your coins instantly
Auction Records Tool
Access comprehensive US coin auction data
Quarter & Penny Value Guides
Find detailed value guides for both modern and classic quarters and pennies
2024 Quarter Values
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2022 Quarter Value Guide
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2023 Quarter Values
Complete Value Guide & Price Chart
Post-2000 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
Post-1965 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Quarters Guide
60s & 70s Penny Values
Top 50 Most Valuable Finds
Error Coin Guides
Discover comprehensive guides about rare minting errors and valuable mistakes
2024 Quarter Error Guide
In Cod We Trust, Doubled Dies & Values
2023 Quarter Error Guide
Die Breaks, Cuds, and Rare Minting Errors
2022 Quarter Error Analysis
Die Breaks, Cuds & Clash Marks
2021 P&D Quarter Errors
Crown Die Chip, Crossing Delaware Errors
Bessie Coleman Quarter Errors
IN COD WE TRUST, Die Chip Values
Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Wrong Planchet, Off-Center & Die Cracks
Essential Coin Collecting Guides
Access comprehensive resources for identifying, grading, and selling your coins
Coin Designation Guide
Comprehensive Guide To Grading, Errors, Mint Marks, And Certification Terms
Selling Coins Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Selling Coins: Maximizing Your Returns
Key Date U.S. Coins
A Chronological Checklist for Collectors
Coin Value Guide
Expert Methods to Identify, Grade, and Sell Your Numismatic Treasures
U.S. Mint Marks Guide
Complete History of American Coin Mint Marks (1793-Present)
Coin Condition & Grading
Ultimate Guide: Sheldon Scale Explained with Photos
US Coin Specifications
Explore detailed physical characteristics and specifications for all US coin denominations
US Coin Weight Guide
Complete US Coin Weight Guide: Measure Penny, Quarter, Nickel & Dime Weight in Grams
US Coin Metal Composition
What Are Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars & Dollars Made Of
US Coin Size Guide
Complete Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Diameter Chart
US Coin Thickness Chart
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Dimensions
Who is on US Coins?
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Portraits
Complete Specifications
Comprehensive guide to all US coin measurements and specifications
