1847 Braided Hair Half Cent. Second Restrike. B-3. Rarity-5. Small Berries. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC.This is a beautiful and rare coin that is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced half cent enthusiasts and Proof type collectors. The obverse retains much of the original autumn-orange color with minimal toning in iridescent gray-brown. Toning is more extensive on the reverse, the patina a blend of gray and golden-brown shades, although some of the original color remains along the upper border. Semi-reflective fields, broad squared off borders and razor sharp design elements leave little doubt as to this coins Proof status.With only 20 to 30 specimens known (per PCGS CoinFacts), the restrike Proof 1847 half cent is a great rarity -- one that in any other series would be worth multiples of the current market value. Let us explain: the later series of half cents contains a panorama of rarities including Proof-only issues of 1836, three different varieties for each date from 1840 to 1848 (original, first restrike, second restrike), the 1849 Small Date and the 1852. If there were perhaps just one rare Proof-only half cent issue (as there is just one Proof-only Morgan dollar issue, the fabled 1895), the present coin would probably be worth many tens of thousands of dollars if not more. Here indeed is a coin with a lot of potential!Today in 2019 Proof Braided Hair half cents of 1840 to 1848 are collected by the three varieties of each date. Q. David Bowers recalls that in the 1950s he had only one client who desired all three: Emery May Holden Norweb.From Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part II, October 2014, lot 98015. Acquired from Anthony Terranova, January 2001.
