1850 1/2C, BN
The 1850 1/2C, BN (Braided Hair Half Cent, Brown) is a captivating piece for both collectors and historians, given its remarkable journey through American numismatics. Minted by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, the half cent of 1850 carries a rich history with its roots tracing back to the early coinage of the United States, reflecting the economic and societal changes of the mid-19th century. It is a prized artifact, often celebrated for its historical significance and aesthetic charms.
Mint and Mintage : This particular coin was minted in Philadelphia, as indicated by the lack of a mint mark, which was standard for Philadelphia coins of this era. Total mintage for this year was 39,812 pieces, a relatively low number when compared to other coin denominations of its time. This limited mintage plays a significant role in the 1850 half cent's rarity and desirability among collectors. The PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) lists the catalog number as #1221.
Numismatic Rarity and Historical Context : The 1850 1/2C is considered scarce, particularly in higher grades. This scarcity is attributed not only to the limited original mintage but also to the fact that smaller denominations saw less widespread use, leading to fewer coins being saved by the public. As a result, these coins offer a unique snapshot of antebellum America, illustrating a time when copper coinage was still a crucial part of everyday commerce yet showing signs of phasing out.
Market Value and Sales : The market value of the 1850 1/2C varies widely based on the condition and grade. In general, a well-preserved example will command a higher price, with values starting from a modest sum in lower grades (G-VG) to several thousand dollars for uncirculated specimens. Auction sales and private transactions have documented prices extending to considerable figures, with coins graded MS65 and above being particularly appealing and achieving premium prices. Exact sales of top-condition pieces reflect their rarity; for example, sales data record MS65 examples fetching high prices in the range of $4,000 and above due to their condition and the reduced number of coins available at this grade. Brown surface coins, like the BN designation, tend to trade at lower prices than their Red (RD) counterparts due to the inherent aesthetic preferences amongst collectors favoring the original red luster of copper coins.
Collectability and Coin Facts : From a numismatist’s perspective, the 1850 Braided Hair Half Cent is a sought after edition due to its bridging role between early American coinage and the eventual discontinuation of the half cent in 1857. It serves as both a tangible connection to the past and a challenge within the collection community, highlighting the evolution of coin production and design. The 1850 1/2C is often examined for its features specific to the Braided Hair series, which ran from 1840 to 1857 – marking the last design used on U.S. half cents before the denomination was retired.
Further Exploration For those looking to delve deeper into the specifics of the 1850 1/2C, comprehensive resources such as coinfacts.com offer essential insights into the grading specifics, striking anomalies, and in-depth analysis of its historical significance. Continuing a search into auction history, collectors can discover intriguing narratives of provenance and unique sales that highlight the intrigue that surrounds this prominent coin. The enduring allure of the 1850 half cent captures the ongoing fascination with numismatic history and the continual quest to own a piece of America’s illustrious coinage past.