1836 1/2C Original, BN
The 1836 1/2 Cent Original, BN (Proof) is an exceptional rarity in numismatic circles, particularly sought after by collectors interested in early American coinage. As a product of limited production, the 1836 Proof Half Cent represents a significant piece of United States Mint history. These coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and distinguishing them from regular issues, they are characterized by their proof striking, which involves a special minting process that results in a smoother field and more detailed features.
History and Description From a historical perspective, the 1836 Half Cent was minted during a dynamic period in the United States characterized by economic and political change. It falls under the Classic Head series, known for its unique design that was in circulation between 1809 and 1836. The Classic Head design was the work of John Reich, a prominent engraver whose designs are renowned for their aesthetic appeal.
Rarity and Mintage The mintage figures for the 1836 1/2C Original, BN is incredibly low, as these were produced as presentation pieces or for collectors rather than for general circulation. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Coin Facts, the number of 1836 Proof Half Cents minted was extremely limited, contributing to its status as a rare collectible. The PCGS assigns it the catalog number 1198. For many years, this coin had eluded even the most dedicated collectors due to its scarcity.
Market Value and Auction Performance The rarity of the 1836 1/2 Cent Original, BN (Proof) coin has consistently resulted in impressive auction performances. Over the years, when these coins surface in the market, they typically command substantial values, often ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars. Auction houses, on occasion, have achieved significant sales figures for high-grade specimens, with well-preserved examples drawing intense competition among bidders. For instance, one recent sale of an 1836 1/2 Cent in a BN (Brown) finish realized a notable price, confirming both the rarity and desirability of this coin. Values can fluctuate based on the coin's condition, provenance, and current market demand, but historically, these coins have been esteemed for their historical significance and aesthetic qualities.
Collectability and Numismatic Interest To collectors and numismatists, the 1836 Proof Half Cent offers more than just intrinsic value; it is a tangible connection to early American minting practices and historical economic conditions. It represents a bygone era of American numismatics, where craftsmanship and artistic design were paramount. Online resources such as PCGS Coin Facts provide collectors and researchers with detailed insights into the specifications, known survival rates, and auction records of the 1836 1/2 Cent Original, BN. Coin grades and visual characteristics, such as the BN designation denoting a brown patina, add to the allure, with such nuances often influencing collector interest and market pricing. In the world of numismatics, the 1836 1/2 Cent Original, BN remains a prized possession, revered not only for its rarity but also for the history and stories that it carries through time. Whether viewed as an investment or a historical treasure, this coin continues to capture the imagination of collectors globally, maintaining a revered position in the annals of U.S. coinage history.
