1855 Braided Hair Half Cent. C-1, the only known dies. Rarity-1. MS-66 RD (PCGS). High grade type collectors and advanced half cent enthusiasts take note -- this is the single finest 1855 half cent certified by PCGS in the RD category. It is a dazzling premium Gem with vivid rose-red color to both sides. Manley (1998) reports only a single die state for this variety, but he notes, "usually with some stars not showing radial lines and much of the dentilation weak." Both the obverse and reverse of the present example show typical softness in isolated areas around the borders. For the obverse we note superior star definition with most showing at least partial radial lines, and many close to full. The central design elements exhibit razor sharp definition, and the frosty surfaces are expertly preserved.<p>The 1855 is the most plentiful circulation strike Braided Hair half cent with full Red surfaces, making it an ideal candidate for a high quality type set. Virtually all such examples trace their provenance to a hoard of approximately 500 Mint State coins purchased by Troy, New York numismatic dealer Charles French during the 1940s. According to Q. David Bowers in his book <em>American Coin Treasures and Hoards</em>, these were slowly distributed over a decade or more, but are now long since dispersed. Most of the full Red examples certified by PCGS we have seen display numerous detracting spots. The offered coin is of exceptional quality and will please even the most discerning collector.
