NNP

PCGS Number: 1250
Coin Date: 1840
Denomination (Short): 1/2c
Denomination (Long): Half Cent
Variety: Original
Desg: PR
Composition: Copper
Mintage: 15-20 known
Strike Type: Proof
Coinage Type: Braided Hair
Coinage Years: 1840-1857
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Diameter: 23.5
Weight (Grams): 5.44
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: This coin is a very intriguing and desirable first year type issue for what is a unique and somewhat overlooked series. The original version variety of the 1840 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1840 was just 18 coins in total of which it is estimated that all have survived. Overall, this is quite a rare coin worth anywhere between five thousand to over forty thousand dollars depending on the grade.
PCGS #: 1250
NGC ID: 26Z4