1804 1/2C Plain 4, Stems, BN
The 1804 1/2 Cent Plain 4, Stems, BN is a unique and historically significant coin within the early U.S. half cent series. This particular variety belongs to the Draped Bust type, which was struck intermittently from 1800 to 1808. The 1804 half cents are known for their distinctive characteristics and variations, making them notable among numismatists and collectors alike.
Mint and Mintage The 1804 1/2 Cent with a Plain 4 and Stems was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, the half cent coins were created primarily for circulation due to their value in everyday transactions. The total mintage for all 1804 half cents is recorded at approximately 1,055,312, which includes all varieties. The specific mintage for the Plain 4, Stems, BN variety is not separately accounted for, however, it is considered scarce within the year.
Historical Context From a historical standpoint, the early 1800s were a period of development for the young United States, and coinage was an essential element of a growing economy. The half cent denomination was valuable in daily commerce, bridging the gap between the large denominations and the smallest. The "Plain 4" in this coin's nomenclature describes the style of the numeral 4 in the date, which lacks a crosslet. The "Stems" refers to the presence of stems in the wreath on the coin's reverse side, a design choice that adds to its distinction.
Collector Demand and Value Due to its rarity and distinguishing features, the 1804 1/2 Cent Plain 4, Stems, BN draws considerable interest from collectors. This particular variety is relatively rare compared to other design varieties from the same year. The value of this coin can vary significantly based on its condition and certified grade. For example, a higher-grade example may command a premium price at auction. Several sales of high-grade specimens demonstrate its value in the numismatic market. For instance, specimens graded in the mid to upper Mint State range have been known to sell for thousands of dollars. Specific auction records show sales surpassing $10,000, with finer variants reaching even higher premiums among enthusiasts.
PCGS Information For those seeking more technical details, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) attributes the 1804 1/2 Cent Plain 4, Stems, BN with the PCGS #1063. According to PCGS CoinFacts, the coin is not only desirable due to mintage figures but also because of its appeal to collectors of early American copper. PCGS provides a comprehensive service for the authentication and grading of these coins, which supports their value in the market.
Numismatic Interest Coin collectors often find this variety intriguing due to its historical significance and the challenges associated with assembling a complete collection of early U.S. half cents. Each variety from 1804, including the Plain 4, Stems, tells a part of the story of the United States' early monetary system and the influence of minting techniques and design choices during that era. The allure of the 1804 1/2 Cent Plain 4, Stems, BN continues to appeal not only to seasoned numismatists but also to new collectors with an interest in early American coinage, expanding its desirability across different levels of collecting expertise.