1849 1/2c Original, Small Date PR RB

The original version variety of the 1849 Proof Half Cent is of the Braided Hair design on the obverse and large round berries on the reverse. The original mintage in 1849 was just 12 coins in total of which it is estimated that all have survived. Overall, this is a very rare low mintage coin worth anywhere between five thousand to over forty thousand dollars. The Small Date version of this original date proof Half Cent is the scarcer of the two with the other being the Large Date.

Obverse Description

Lady Liberty is portrayed with hair tied in a bun, facing left, in what is referred to as the so-called braided hair style. The word LIBERTY appearing on her headband. 13 stars appear continuously around the periphery with the date at the bottom.

Reverse Description

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery surround a wreath framing the words HALF CENT. The wreath is tied by a bow at the bottom.