PCGS Nos: 1272, 1273, 1274

Rarity: Very Rare

Variety equivalents: Breen 1

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 0
Proofs: estimated 25

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: 23 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - 100%

Weight: 84 grains (5.44 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmarks: None (all 1844 Half Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)

Significant examples:
NGC Proof-65 Brown.  Ex – American Numismatic Rarities, LLC’s “The Classics Sale,” July 25, 2003 , Lot 100, "B-1, Original, Rarity-6+", illustrated, sold for $5,980.00

Recent appearances:
PCGS Proof-63 Red.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries "The Rarities Sale", July 31, 2002, Lot 16, illustrated, sold for $5,060.00

PCGS Proof-63 Red. Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries "The Rarities Sale, Orlando", January 8, 2002, Lot 15, "B-1, Rarity-6. Original, Large Berries," illustrated, not sold

Notes:
The finest Proof "Original" Brown 1844 Half Cent graded by PCGS is a single PR-64BN.

The finest Proof "Original" Red and Brown 1844 Half Cents graded by PCGS are 2 PR-64RB's.

The finest Proof "Original" Red 1844 Half Cents graded by PCGS are 2 PR-63RD's.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"American Half Cents - The 'Little Half Sisters' (Second Edition)" by Roger S. Cohen, Jr.

"Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents 1793-1857" by Walter Breen