1851 Braided Hair Half Cent. C-1, the only known dies. Rarity-1. MS-64 RB (PCGS). CAC. OGH. Type: Type VI: Braided Hair.Design: Obv: Liberty faces left, a coronet inscribed LIBERTY on her head. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait with the date 1851 below. Rev: A single branch bound at the bottom by a single bowed ribbon surrounds the denomination HALF CENT. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border.Weight Standard: 84 grains (5.44 grams).Diameter: 23 mm.Die Variety: Cohen-1, Breen-1, Gilbert-1. Obv: The only 1851-dated obverse in the half cent series, here in its only use. Rev: Small berries on the branch. This is the only use of this reverse.Die State: Manley reports a single die state for this variety. Obv: Perfect. Rev: Perfect.Edge: Plain.Mintage: 147,672 coins.Estimated Surviving Population for the Issue: Since there is only a single die variety known for the 1851 half cent, the estimated surviving population for the issue is the same as that for the die variety.Estimated Surviving Population for the Die Variety: Rarity-1: More than 2,000 coins in all grades.Strike: Well produced overall, otherwise bold to sharp striking detail wanes appreciably only at the uppermost leaf clusters in the branch on the reverse.Surfaces: This fully original example exhibits mottled gray-brown patina on both sides, with swirls of slighter deeper toning in the upper left obverse field. Tiny carbon spots at the obverse border outside star 12 and on the reverse at the top of the letter D in UNITED. Ample rose-red color and attractive surfaces enhance the appeal of this handsome near-Gem.Commentary: Along with the 1853, the 1851 is the most frequently encountered circulation strike issue in the Braided Hair half cent series. Red and Brown Uncirculated coins, rare from a condition standpoint, are eagerly sought by high quality type and date collectors.No circulation strike half cents were produced in 1852. From the ESM Collection. Earlier from Heritages Exclusively Internet Auction #24093, September 2004, lot 13012.
