1836 1/2C 1st Restrike, Rev of 1836, BN
The 1836 1/2C 1st Restrike, Rev of 1836, BN (Proof) is a fascinating piece from the world of early American coinage that captures the attention of numismatists and collectors alike due to its rarity and historical significance. This particular half cent is part of a series of coins minted with the original Reverse of 1836, but as a "Restrike," it presents certain distinctions from the initial production series, providing a unique insight into the minting practices and challenges of the early United States Mint.
Mint and Mintage Details
Mint : The 1836 1/2C 1st Restrike was produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
Mintage : This coin had an extremely limited mintage, reflecting its status as a restrike rather than a regular issue. The exact mintage is uncertain, but it is typically understood to be highly limited, possibly as low as a few dozen pieces.
PCGS Information
PCGS Number : 35315
Rarity : Due to its status as a restrike and its very limited mintage, this 1836 half cent is exceptionally rare. It is considered one of the key rarities among U.S. copper coinage. The scarcity of the piece makes it a coveted acquisition for collectors seeking to complete their type collections or curate a specialized focus on early American coins.
Historical Context: The first restrike coins were produced during a period when the U.S. Mint occasionally created coins specifically for sale to collectors, well after their original dates. The process often utilized existing dies, leading to issues that could have small distinctions from their original counterparts. This coin’s creation reflects practices when collector demand and private sales influenced some production decisions at the Mint.
Value and Market Performance: The value of the 1836 1/2C 1st Restrike has demonstrated significant strength in numismatic markets due to its rarity and historical allure. Its market performance has been impressive, with sales often commanding significant premiums when they appear at auction. One example of a notable sale highlights the robust collector interest: a specimen graded as Proof-66 BN fetched a handsome figure in the high five-figure range, underscoring its desirability. Such sales emphasize the coin's high worth, especially when appealing to advanced collectors focused on early proof issues.
Numismatic Interest: From a numismatist’s perspective, the 1836 1/2C 1st Restrike is not merely a piece of currency but a part of America’s numismatic heritage that illustrates the evolution of minting practices. Its existence provides context for the shift from purely utilitarian coining to the acknowledgment of numismatics as a hobby worth the Mint’s participation. This era saw a burgeoning interest in coin collecting, which would only grow in subsequent decades. By piecing together details from auction results, numismatic research, and mint records, collectors and historians can appreciate these restrikes as historic artifacts. They serve as a testament to the intricate history of coinage and the collectors who have cherished them over generations.
Note: For the latest sales and specific auction results, referencing detailed sources on platforms dealing with numismatic items can provide invaluable insights into the current market trends for this piece. These platforms can offer a deeper dive into the rarity and condition-based variations in pricing, adding another layer of understanding to the already fascinating narrative of the 1836 1/2C 1st Restrike.