1842 Braided Hair Half Cent. Second Restrike. B-3. Rarity-6. Small Berries (Reverse of 1840). Proof-66 * RB (NGC). A radiant Gem that glows with a blend of magenta and electric blue iridescence across each side. Deeply reflective fields contrast the more satiny texture that blankets the devices, delivering a cameo contrast that is most dramatic on the reverse. Well struck and fully free of notable imperfections. It is among the very finest known for this issue, and just 1 example ranks finer at NGC. The half cent was never a popular denomination in commerce and was not frequently struck throughout its life. Because enough had been struck earlier and retained in the Mints inventory, no half cents were struck for circulation from 1836 through 1848. In between, the only half cents produced were Proof coins intended for inclusion in sets or individually to collectors. Christian Gobrechts Braided Hair half cents were first produced in Proof-only format beginning in 1840 and matched in design with their circulating big brothers, the large cents. Beginning sometime in 1856, some of the Proof issues were restruck, a few using the original die pairs. Some issues were struck using a reverse die that can be distinguished by small berries on the reverse wreath and a doubled NT in CENTS. Then in 1859 and continuing for approximately ten years thereafter, the so-called Second Restrikes were coins on an infrequent basis using a different reverse die that has the same small berries, but without the doubled letters and prominent die lines above RICA. Some of these were struck on significantly heavier planchets but are exceptionally rare. For the 1842 Second Restrike Proof coins, only some 20 to 30 are known, making it a rarity in all levels of preservation. Many were carelessly handled making choice examples exceptional and in high demand by specialists. An exceptional opportunity for the half cent connoisseur.
