1853 1/2C Cohen 1, RB MS(PCGS#35328)

1853 1/2C Cohen 1, RB MS (PCGS#35328)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Manley Die State 2.0. A generally medium brown example, although the toning gives way to considerable rose-orange mint color around the obverse and, especially, reverse peripheries. Fully original in preservation and PQ even at the assigned Gem Mint State grade level, the surfaces reveal no marks or other blemishes of note. The strike is a bit soft in isolated areas, but the overall appearance is suitably bold for a circulation strike half cent of this design type.<p>Half cent coinage in 1853 continued the brief trend toward higher totals that began in 1851, as the withdrawal of silver coins from circulation early in the California Gold Rush era created a temporary need for copper to help fill the void in the eastern United States. As is turned out, however, the 1853 is the last issue of the denomination with a mintage of more than 100,000 pieces (129,694 to be exact). This is the most frequently encountered Braided Hair half cent, but although even Mint State coins are plentiful by the standards of the type, most are certified BN. This is a condition rarity Gem in PCGS/CAC MS-65 RB, as such, and it is eagerly awaiting inclusion in another advanced collection.