Rich blue centers transition to violet before reaching the bold mint color of the obverse rims, while the reverse dramatically blends all three tones. No brown is seen on this gem, only mint color that has faded spectacularly. The fields are boldly reflective on both sides, free of spots or marks of any consequence. Well lit scrutiny finds some subtle hairlines, and some lines are seen perpendicular to the edge on the broad rim atop the reverse. A tiny speck at the lowest point of star 10 will have to suffice as an identifier. The obverse die is cracked from the rim above star 2 to the rim above star 7, crossing through each star in between.PCGS estimates that 20 to 30 1841 Original half cents exist today; 43 appear on their Population Report. Restrikes, struck with the Small Berries reverse, are actually rarer than Originals of this year. Originals were struck with the same Large Berries reverse that coined Proofs throughout the 1840s. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the 1841 Originals is their unique edge, which shows reeding that has been crushed by the plain collar in much the same way as the rare Crushed Lettered Edge half dollars. The reeding is particularly plain just beyond the rim, higher on the edge than the collar could crush, clearly visible under low magnification. There is no good reason for 1841 Proof half cent planchets to have had a reeded edge, but the presence of this unusual edge device is enough for this variety to be recognized as a separate important type.PCGS has certified just three Proof-67 half cents of this entire design type.
