1840 Original, B-1a, C-PO1, Low R.6, PR65 Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR60. CAC. ...

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Description

1840 B-1a Original Half Cent, PR65 Brown
The Third Finest at PCGS

1840 Original, B-1a, C-PO1, Low R.6, PR65 Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR60. CAC. Equivalents. Gilbert-1; Empire-86; Cohen-PO1; Breen-1a, BW-1.
Rarity. The Coleman census lists 38 examples of the 1840 Original half cents, although their may be some duplication. PCGS estimates 15 to 20 examples are known, and the Bowers-Whitman Guide Book places the population in the range of 20 to 25 proofs.
Obverse 1. A single die was used for all half cents bearing the 1840 date. Christian Gobrecht's Coronet or Braided Hair design was introduced for half cents in 1840. A new head that Breen calls a Head of Venus, faces left and represents Liberty with the word LIBERTY inscribed on the coronet. The date is below the bust and 13 stars are close to the border. Aside from the date changing for each issue, this description applies to all half cents from 1840 to 1857.

Reverse A. Christian Gobrecht's "Large Berries" reverse was used for all "Original" proof half cents dated 1840 through 1849 and additional proofs dated 1852. A continuous wreath encloses HALF CENT with the statutory legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA clockwise from 7 o'clock to 5 o'clock. The wreath has 10 large berries and one small berry left of the H in HALF.
Edge. Plain. Faint traces of flattened edge reeding are visible with strong magnification. Walter Breen wrote in his Half Cent Encyclopedia: "Blanks were experimentally reeded, then coined in a plain collar, obliterating the reeding."
Surfaces. The highly reflective chocolate-brown surfaces of this Gem have distinctive blue and iridescent overtones on both sides. Trivial handling marks and minor lint marks are present.
Die State (Sholley). The obverse portrait is lightly rusted with obvious rust on the cheek, jaw, and neck. Fields have light rust with heavier patches above the head and behind the neck. Reverse is a middle state with rough patch between AL of HALF and wreath now more prominent from a bit of rusting. Light "polished-out" areas are developing in the ribbon. This die state is virtually identical to early 1843 strikes. Likely struck late 1842 to early 1843.

Appearances. Illustrated at the PCGS Set Registry record of the McGuigan Collection. Plated in the Anderson Dupont, TAD, and Montgomery catalogs.
PCGS Population (6/2022). PCGS has certified 17 examples identified as Original strikes. This coin is one of the three finest that grade PR65 Brown, PR65 Red and Brown, and PR66 Brown.
Commentary. Top examples of the 1840 Original half cents include the Parmelee-Showers-Missouri Cabinet coin that is graded PR66 Brown PCGS, the PR65 Red and Brown NGC Norweb-Partrick coin, and the present piece from our August 1997 sale of the Montgomery Collection.

The January 1871 issue of the American Journal of Numismatics carried an article by "E.M." that notes the identifying characteristics of original and restrike half cents. The author wrote:

"By one formerly employed in the Mint I have been told that all these dates [1840-1849] were re-coined excepting two, the dies of which he understood could not be found; and he apprehended there was no way by which they could be distinguished from originals, unless the latter could be traced to a time prior to the year of re-coinage."

E.M. was not satisfied with the answer, and examined actual coins. He noted that 1843 and 1846 half cents he acquired had different reverses. The 1846 had large berries and the 1843 had small berries. He also observed differences in the ribbon at the bottom of the wreath. He further noted that the small berries reverse was the same as all half cents from the 1850s. The author continued:

"The inference was irresistible, either that two dies were employed each year during the decade under consideration-which is highly improbable, considering the exceedingly limited number coined-or else that those with a reverse like that of the late dates, were made with one or more of the late dies."

There is a question regarding the identity of the author, E.M. In his Half Cent Encyclopedia, Walter Breen identifies the author as Dr. Edward Maris. In an April 2022 Penny-Wise article, Roger Burdette identifies the author as Ebenezer Mason. Both were astute numismatists.
McGuigan Commentary. Choice iridescent bluish-brown mirror surfaces.
Provenance. Ex: Anderson Dupont (Stack's, 11/1954), lot 1129; Dorothy Nelson (TAD Collection, Stack's, 3/1975), lot 856; Steve Ivy Rare Coin Company (FPL 4/1976); Dr. Ernest J. Montgomery (Heritage, 8/1997), lot 8114.
From The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. (Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26Z4, PCGS# 1248, Greysheet# 582)

Weight: 5.44 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

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