NNP

PCGS Number: 1274
Coin Date: 1844
Denomination (Short): 1/2c
Denomination (Long): Half Cent
Variety: Original
Desg: PR
Composition: Copper
Mintage: 16
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: The original version variety of the 1844 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1844 was just 16 coins which is about as low as it gets for this series. Overall, this is quite a rare coin worth anywhere between six thousand and much more if you can find it in high-end gem condition.
PCGS #: 1274
NGC ID: 26ZA