PCGS Number: 91268
Coin Date: 1843
Denomination (Short): 1/2c
Denomination (Long): Half Cent
Variety: Original
Desg: PR
Composition: Copper
Mintage: 21
Strike Type: Proof
Coinage Type: Braided Hair
Coinage Years: 1840-1857
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Diameter: 23.5
Fineness: 0
Weight (Grams): 5.44
Weight (Ounces): 0
Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Edge: Plain Edge
Obverse Description: Lady Liberty is portrayed with hair tied in a bun, facing left, in what is referred to as the so-called braided hair style. The word LIBERTY appearing on her headband. 13 stars appear continuously around the periphery with the date at the bottom.
Reverse Description: The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery surround a wreath framing the words HALF CENT. The wreath is tied by a bow at the bottom.
General Notes: The original version variety of the 1843 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1843 was just 21 coins in total of which it is estimated that all have survived. Overall, this is just a very scarce type coin worth anywhere between four thousand to over fifty thousand dollars but only in the finest gem condition. This date is quite unique in that one or two can be found with cameo surfaces.
NGC ID: 223E

1843 1/2c Original RD CAM