1831 Classic Head Half Cent. Original. B-1, C-1. Rarity-5+. Proof-60 BN (PCGS). Offered is a very important example of the 1831 original half cent -- one of the most famous rarities in the half cent series of 1793 to 1857. The strike is razor sharp with full, crisp definition throughout the design. The surfaces are a bit muted in appearance, closer inspection with a loupe reveals a few faint hairlines from cabinet handling that explains the Proof-60 grade from PCGS. Such numismatic handling as this coin experienced obviously occurred in another era, certainly during the 19th century, and both sides have since toned naturally in a handsome blend of deep olive and warmer copper-rose. There are no sizable marks, and we leave it to a small, shallow planchet flake (as made) below the left base of the letter N in CENT to trace this coin through future market appearances.<p>According to official Mint records, 2,200 circulation strike half cents were delivered in 1831. Today fewer than 35 pieces are estimated to survive in all grades per <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>. For some numismatic experts, including the graders and other specialists at NGC, all known original 1831 half cents are survivors of a small Proof-only issue. Others, including PCGS, favor the scenario by which the Philadelphia Mint struck both Proof and circulation half cents from these original dies. Arguments in favor of the latter theory include the fact that there are more circulated examples known than unmistakable Proofs, too many some would say to be explained away as Proofs that were intentionally or accidentally released into commercial channels.<p>Despite these counterarguments your cataloger (JLA) believes that there is likely no such thing as a circulation strike 1831 half cent, though a few somewhat worn pieces have been certified, including the ESM specimen in PCGS EF-45 (our March 2020 Auction:3043) and another in the Missouri Cabinet that was assigned a grade of AU-55 by PCGS. Instead, there are three varieties of Proofs that collectors can choose from to own an example of this date. Original 1831 half cents, struck in Proof finish in 1831, are from the Breen-1, Cohen-1 dies, as here, and they include a few lightly circulated specimens. The 1831 half cents with the reverse type of 1840 (Breen-3, Second Restrike) were coined much later, perhaps as late as the 1870s, and are also extremely rare. Just five are known. Most date collectors end up acquiring one of the First Restrikes (Breen-2), if they ever find one at all. Those use a reverse from 1836 and were likely coined in the late 1850s, when interest in United States copper coins first began to blossom.<p>Regardless of their exact status, all original 1831 half cents are significant rarities that enjoy strong demand from advanced collectors. Among these, the offered original is very special. Early copper enthusiasts, half cent specialists and more generalized collectors interested in key date coinage are sure to compete vigorously to secure this important specimen.<p> PCGS# 1186. NGC ID: 2236. PCGS Population: 1; 7 finer in this category (Proof-66 BN finest).
