PCGS Nos: 1284, 1285

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 (for Philadelphia)

Notes:
The finest Proof "Original" Brown examples graded by PCGS are 3 PR-64BN's.

The finest Proof "Original" Red-Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65RB.

The finest Proof "Restrike" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-66BN.

The finest Proof "Restrike" Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 5 PR-64RB's.

Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

Varieties:
Original 
First Restrike 
Second Restrike

Recent appearances:
NGC Proof-66 Brown.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Lake Geneva Sale", June 28-29, 2001, Lot 17, "Second Restike, B-3", illustrated, sold for $6,210.00

"Proof-60+" (illustrated above).  Ex - J.R. Frankenfield - Superior Galleries' sale of the J.R. Frankenfield collection, February 17, 2001, Lot 164, "Breen 1-A...Proof-60+.  Original...tiny flake out of the planchet in the field left of the chin..." at $6,612.50

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 (purchase a copy by clicking on the title)