1800 1/2C, RB MS(PCGS#1052)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4116

Grade

MS62RB

Price

8,400

Lot Description

Manley Die State 3.0. Throoguhly PQ quality in a Mint State example of this first year Draped Bust half cent issue. Vivid pinkish-red mint color remains to outline Liberty's portrait and some of the letters in the word LIBERTY on the obverse, and it is even bolder and more extensive on the reverse, especially around the peripheral lettering. Detail is bold throughout the design, the surfaces also revealing warm, original toning in olive and gray-brown. A small planchet void in the right obverse field is as made and the only individually mentionable distraction to this otherwise remarkably smooth-looking BU example.<p>Due to its status as the first issue in the Draped Bust half cent series, the 1800 is a perennial favorite among type collectors as well as early copper enthusiasts. Guided by models prepared by Philadelphia artist John Eckstein (not famed portraitist Gilbert Stuart, per "traditional numismatic wisdom"), Engraver Robert Scot prepared the device punch for the new Draped Bust half cent sometime between late 1798 and the spring of 1800. The first dies followed, a single obverse and reverse pairing used to deliver the entire 1800-dated mintage. The copper was almost exclusively from Welsh mines, the metal made into planchets by the Birmingham-based firm of Boulton & Watt. A limited number of 1800 half cents are known struck on spoiled large cents, in the same manner as the final 1797-dated Liberty Cap coins of the C-3a, 3b and 3c varieties; those are attributed as Breen-1a.<p>Mint State survivors are plentiful by the standards of the type thanks to the discovery of two significant hoards during the early 20th century. The first surfaced in New England prior to 1910, while the second came out of Boston during the 1930s. Thanks to these finds, the acquisition of a Select or Choice Uncirculated 1800 half cent in the certified BN category is a realistic goal for many numismatists. More advanced collectors, however, will have to compete vigorously to secure one of the few Mint State coins certified in Red and Brown category by the major third-party services. This is just such a prize, its PCGS Generation 1.2 "rattler" holder serving to further encourage aggressive bidding. Watch this one go!