PCGS Nos: 1218, 1219

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 39,864
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 Uncirculated Brown example graded by PCGS is a single MS-65BN.  The finest Uncirculated Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 4 MS-64RB's.  

The finest Proof "Small Date" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-64BN.  The finest Proof "Small Date" Red-Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-64RB.  

The finest Proof "Restrike" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65BN.  The finest Proof "Restrike" Red-Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65RB.  The finest Proof "Restrike" Red example graded by PCGS is a single PR-63RD.

The finest Proof "Large Date" Brown example graded by PCGS is a single PR-62BN.

Images courtesy of Superior Stamp and Coin

Varieties:
1849 Large Date 
1849 Small Date - Original?
1849 Small Date - First Restrike

Significant examples:
NGC MS-65 Brown.  Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Rarities Sale", January 3, 2001, Lot 7, "C-1, B-4", illustrated, sold for $1,495.00

Recent appearances:
Proof-62 Brown.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 6625, "B-2, First Restrike", not illustrated, not sold

MS-62 Brown.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Santa Clara Signature Sale", November 16-17, 2000, Lot 5034, not illustrated, sold for $230.00

PCGS AU-58.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The Benson Collection - Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 229, "Del Bland graded EF-40, Large date", not illustrated, sold for $184.00

"AU-55" (illustrated above).  Ex - Superior Stamp & Coin's "The ANA 2000 National Money Show Auction", March 2-3, 2000, Lot 64, "C-1"

NGC AU-55 Brown.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The Benson Collection - Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 228, "Large Date", not illustrated, sold for $132.00

PCGS AU-53.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 5848, not plated, sold for $218.50

Del Bland graded EF-40.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coin & Collectibles' "The Fairchild Family Trust Collection Sale", May 28-30, 2001, Lot 128, "B-4, C-1", illustrated, sold for $92.00

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)