1845 Braided Hair Half Cent. Original. B-1. Rarity-6. Large Berries. Proof-63 BN (PCGS). CAC. 85.2 grains. An incredible rarity for the early copper specialist. Warm golden-tan patina reveals flashes of neon green, powder blue, and magenta under a light source. A few minor marks are noted in the fields, though the focal elements remain very well preserved. Sharply struck with subtle reflectivity throughout.<p>As with all Proof Braided Hair half cents, the 1845 is rare in both Original and Restrike formats. While Restrikes are relatively available with patience, Originals are very elusive and are seldom offered publicly. Survival estimates range from about 10 to 20 distinct pieces, with considerable duplication to be found in the certified population reports. This historic specimen boasts a provenance that goes back nearly a century, with notable inclusion in our (Bowers and Merenas) 1987 sale of the Norweb Family Collection. Ex J.C. Morgenthau, September 1935; Emery May Norweb; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, lot 110; Jon Hanson; Donald G. Partrick; Heritages sale of the Donald G. Partrick Collection, April 2021 CSNS Signature Auction, lot 3750.
