PCGS Nos: 1296, 1297

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 0
Proofs: estimated 40

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: 23 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - 100%

Weight: 84 grains (5.44 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmarks: None (all 1848 Half Cents were struck in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Notes:
The finest Proof "Original" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-64BN.  The finest Proof "Original" Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 4 PR-64RB's.

The finest Proof "Restrike" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65BN.  The finest Proof "Restrike" Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 2 PR-66RB's.  The finest Proof "Restrike" Red example graded by PCGS is a single PR-64RD.

The finest Proof "Restrike, Large Berries" Red example graded by PCGS is a single PR-67RD.

Images courtesy of Superior Stamp and Coin

Varieties:
Original 
First Restrike
Second Restrike

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)

Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions
ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s 1999 ANA Signature Sale, August 11-13, 1999, Lot 5097, 
"PR-64 Brown, Original" (the white line on the right obverse rim is a photographic flaw).  The size of the berries on the reverse appear to be small, indicating that this is a Restrike instead of an Original.