1795 1/2C C-5b, BN MS(PCGS#35086)

1795 1/2C C-5b, BN MS (PCGS#35086)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: 129.0 grains. Slightly broader denticulation along the upper right obverse border and an essentially illegible HALF CENT denomination at central reverse are the only significant variations to universally bold and well balanced Choice VF detail. Scattered marks are noted for both sides, some original to the planchet, others post-production, the latter including a few of moderate size on Liberty's portrait. The in-hand appearance, however, is relatively smooth overall and dominated by warm medium brown patina with a hint of golden-olive on the reverse.<p>Cohen-5 is the last and most numerous variety included in the Mint's 30,000-piece half cent delivery of January 22, 1796. The obverse is the same used previously in the C-1 With Pole pairing, although after drastic regrinding of the die removed the pole. Desperate for planchets at a time of rising copper prices, the Mint used a fairly even mix of thin and thick stock with the 1795 C-5 dies. At 129 grains, the Widmer Family specimen offered here qualifies as a thick planchet piece under the traditional C-5b attribution. This is the heaviest weight reported for the variety by Eh Fuhrman in the 2022 volume of his <em>Half Cent Handbook</em>. The planchets for these C-5b half cents came from cut down misstruck large cents and, to a lesser extent, unused large cent stock.