1846 1/2C Restrike, Rev. of 1840, BN PR(PCGS#35381)

1846 1/2C Restrike, Rev. of 1840, BN PR (PCGS#35381)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Iridescent reddish-apricot, antique gold and powder blue undertones backlight dominant color in a blend of handsome olive and autumn-brown shades. This is an originally preserved specimen, and it is also a nicely preserved one with only a few wispy hairlines and faint carbon flecks precluding a higher numeric grade. The strike is full, as befits the issue, with broad borders framing razor sharp motifs. A significant offering for the specialist in early copper or early Proof coinage.<p>A cabinet of Proof half cents is a marvelous thing to behold, especially an in-depth collection that features originals and restrikes of all the available dates. The original Proofs were made in the year of issue for sale to collectors, while the restrikes were made for a later group of collectors who wanted Proofs of the half cent types after the fact. It is thought these later restrike half cents were produced circa 1858 and later. The Proof half cents of 1840 to 1849 represent the only coinage for those dates, as no circulation strike half cents were needed for commerce in those years. Only two dozen or so restrikes of the Proof 1846 are thought to exist, which total comprises examples struck from both the Large Berries (First Restrike) and Small Berries (Second Restrike) reverses. No fanfare and trumpets are needed when a Proof half cent is offered for sale, as word gets around quickly in early copper circles. The bidding here will prove substantial.