1842 Half Cent

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Obverse of 1842 Half Cent - First Restrike Reverse of 1842 Half Cent - First Restrike

1842 HALF CENT

PCGS Nos: 1260, 1262

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 0
Proofs: estimated 25

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: 23 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - 100%

Weight: 84 grains (5.44 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmarks: None (all 1842 Half Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)

Notes:
The finest Proof "Original" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-66BN.

The finest Proof "Original" Red example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65RD.

The finest Proof "Restrike" Brown examples graded by PCGS are 2 PR-64BN's.

The finest Proof "Restrike" Red-Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65RB.

Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

Varieties:
Original
First Restrike
Second Restrike

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"American Half Cents - The 'Little Half Sisters' (Second Edition)" by Roger S. Cohen, Jr.

"Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents 1793-1857" by Walter Breen

"The PCGS Population Report, October 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

Relevant collector organizations:
Early American Coppers Club

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