1828 1/2C C-1, 13 Stars, BN MS(PCGS#35258)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2057

Grade

MS63BN

Price

1,320

Lot Description

Manley Die State 3.0. Richly original orange and rose-brown patina is seen on hard, frosty surfaces. Lightly struck within the reverse wreath at upper left, yet bold to sharp elsewhere, freedom from singularly distracting blemishes enhances this coin's appeal.<p>From a mintage for the issue that Bill Eckberg (2019) estimates at 400,000 pieces. This was achieved using three die marriages, Cohen-1 offered here sharing its reverse with the scarce 1826 C-2 variety. Although it was not represented in the 1894 Collins hoard, the 1828 C-1 is still a readily obtainable die marriage. On the other hand, Eckberg reports that, "True UNCs are extremely rare."<p>Contrary to Cohen's and Breen's assumption that the C-1 was the first 1828-dated half cent issue struck because it shares its reverse with the 1826 C-2, Ronald P. Manley (1998) has demonstrated through a study of die states that the Mint preferred the use of new dies over previously used ones. The 1828 C-1 would have been the last struck for the issue, and it is accordingly attributed as 3-C in the 2019 Eckberg half cent reference.