1841 BRAIDED HAIR 1/2C

The proof Braided Hair Half Cent series is fascinating to study yet challenging to understand.  The primary reasons for this are the plethora of proof-only issues during this date range and the confusion surrounding the attribution of survivors as either originals or restrikes.  Furthermore, the restrikes can be subdivided into first restrikes, second restrikes and, in some cases, what Walter Breen (1983) refers to as Series VII restrikes.  To make matters as simple as possible, collectors and investors need only really be aware of a few key facts regarding this proof series.  First, no business strike Half Cents were produced from 1840 through 1848, as well as in 1852, which means that specimens of these dates are survivors of proof-only issues.  Second, both originals and restrikes are known for all proof Half Cent issues from 1840-1849.  The 1852 has only been positively confirmed in restrike format, and the balance of the issues from 1850-1857 are believed to exist only as originals.  Third, and finally, all proof Half Cents of the Braided Hair type are rare coins, and examples do not appear in the numismatic market with any degree of regularity.