1854 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,600 PR63 08-10-1990 Stack's

Description

The 1854 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 30, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing left with braided hair swept up and held by a beaded cord, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $7.8K. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1323.