1856 1/2C, RD MS(PCGS#1238)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2074

Grade

MS64RD

Price

4,080

Lot Description

Manley Die State 2.0. Aglow with fiery pinkish-rose mint color, this lustrous and frosty example also offers razor sharp to full strike detail. Faint, well scattered carbon flecks on both sides and a bit of mellowing to the color at left obverse are all that preclude an even higher grade for this pretty piece.<p>Half cent coinage continued to fall through the middle to late 1850s as the denomination headed toward its end, the 1856 with a mintage of just 40,230 pieces. Unlike the 1855, for which a number of hoards have been dispersed, the 1856 is genuinely scarce in Red and Brown Mint Sate with full Red examples such as this significant condition rarities. Sure to appeal to astute collectors.