Hopefully, this blue Proof 1856 Half Cent wont leave you feeling down/blue...
coinguy1
Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
An unknown number of Proof 1856 Braided Hair Half Cents were struck. While the estimated mintage figure is anywhere from approximately 100 to as many as 200+, suffice it to say these are RARE. NGC has certified only 3 for all grades and color designations combined, while PCGS has graded 25.
Below are images of one which I handled recently, an NGC PR65BN example. And, like many so-called "BN" copper coins, this one is certainly not "BN", but rather a vivid bluish color. The dark "stuff" is on the holder, not the coin. Enjoy.
obverse
reverse
Below are images of one which I handled recently, an NGC PR65BN example. And, like many so-called "BN" copper coins, this one is certainly not "BN", but rather a vivid bluish color. The dark "stuff" is on the holder, not the coin. Enjoy.
obverse
reverse
0
Comments
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
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We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Seeing these coins has gotten me curious. Having never seen a half cent proof coin in person. How do the mirrors in the field actually look on real old proof copper. Can you actually see a reflection from them. When originally struck, where the mirrors anywhere near as reflective as those on moderns.
Thanks a bunch
Ron
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
<< <i>. How do the mirrors in the field actually look on real old proof copper. Can you actually see a reflection from them. When originally struck, where the mirrors anywhere near as reflective as those on moderns >>
Ron, a number of those coins were very well made (ditto for the Proof Large Cents) and display excellent mirrors/reflectivity/flash.
However, some of them do not possess great mirrors, due to factors such as their toning, deepness of color, quality of production, etc.
Overall, the earlier Coronet type (as opposed to the Braided type imaged in this thread), was not as well made and many of them are not as obvious/impressive as Proofs.
peacockcoins
looks like either original mint tissue toning or envelope toning
from the scan looks to be B.1 r-7
michael