1846 Braided Hair Half Cent. First Restrike. B-2. Rarity-7+. Small Berries, Reverse of 1856. Proof-65+ RB (PCGS). CAC. 80.2 grains. A magnificent Gem Proof with vibrant red-orange surfaces, intense glowing luster, and beautiful flashes of violet and magenta. The fields exhibit a pleasing reflectivity which emphasizes the satin texture of the devices. In addition to the extreme rarity, this piece offers truly superior quality and ranks among the very finest seen by both PCGS and CAC.<p>The Proof half cents of 1840 to 1849 represent the only coinage for those dates, as no circulation strike half cents were needed for commerce in those years. It is thought these "Restrike" half cents were struck circa 1858 or some time later. Only two dozen or so 1846 half cents exist across both the First Restrike and Second Restrike varieties. However, there are only four confirmed First Restrikes, including the Missouri Cabinet coin, the Norweb specimen, the Bookman coin, and the present top-pop Gem from the Partrick Collection. An incredible rarity fit for the most sophisticated collection of half cents or Proof 19th century coinage. From Jon Hanson, July 1973; Donald G. Partrick; Heritages sale of the Donald G. Partrick Collection, April 2021 CSNS Signature Auction, lot 3755.
