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The Certified 1854 Half Cent graded MS62RB by ANACS is a highly desirable example of one of the final issues of the United States half cent series. As the penultimate year of the denomination's production, the 1854 issue holds special significance among collectors for its historical context and relatively limited surviving population in mint state. This particular coin, with its Mint State 62 designation and the coveted Red-Brown (RB) color classification, represents a well-preserved piece of early American coinage that bridges both the numismatic and historical aspects of mid-19th century United States monetary policy.
The half cent denomination was first authorized by the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, and was intended to provide small change for a largely agrarian economy where fractional currency was essential for daily commerce. Produced intermittently between 1793 and 1857, the half cent was the smallest denomination ever struck by the United States Mint in terms of both face value and size. By the 1850s, the denomination was increasingly seen as impractical, and public demand for the coin had waned. The issue of 1854 was the second-to-last year of production, and its relatively modest mintage reflects this declining utility.
The 1854 half cent was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint and belongs to the Braided Hair series, which ran from 1840 through the final 1857 issue. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Braided Hair half cent features a refined interpretation of Liberty, facing left and wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tightly braided and tied in a bun at the back of her head, a stylistic update from the earlier Classic Head and Draped Bust types. Thirteen stars representing the original colonies encircle her profile, while the date “1854” appears boldly at the base of the obverse.
The reverse displays a simple yet elegant wreath composed of laurel branches tied with a ribbon. Enclosed within the wreath are the words “HALF CENT,” and around the perimeter is the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The design is enclosed within a raised rim, and the edge of the coin is plain. This design emphasizes clarity and symmetry, with fine detailing that remains highly appreciated by numismatists. The overall look is balanced and classical, a testament to Gobrecht’s engraving skill and the mint’s consistent production quality during this period.
The Philadelphia Mint produced a total of 55,358 half cents in 1854. While this number is higher than the very low mintages of 1852 and 1857, it is still considered modest by the standards of circulating U.S. coinage. Many of these coins were not well preserved, as they often circulated for short periods before being hoarded or melted down. As a result, high-grade survivors are relatively scarce, especially those with vibrant red-brown luster like this MS62RB example. Most surviving examples are found in grades ranging from VF to AU, with true Mint State coins being much less common.
The ANACS grade of MS62RB indicates that the coin is in uncirculated condition with no signs of wear, and it retains a significant portion of its original mint red coloration. “RB” stands for “Red-Brown,” which is a color designation applied to copper coins that exhibit a mix of original red luster and brown toning from natural oxidation over time. MS62 is considered the entry point into the Mint State category, meaning the coin has full detail and no signs of circulation, though it may exhibit light marks or subdued luster in isolated areas. For an 1854 half cent, this is a highly collectible grade, offering a combination of preservation and affordability compared to higher Mint State examples.
The surfaces of this particular coin show a pleasing blend of original red and soft brown hues, especially around the protected areas of the devices, such as Liberty’s hair and the folds of the wreath on the reverse. Light cartwheel luster remains visible when tilted under a light source, and the fields are clean with only minor contact marks consistent with the MS62 grade. The strike is sharp for the type, with full definition in the stars and the denticles, indicating that it was well struck from fresh dies. The overall eye appeal is solid, with an attractive and even toning that enhances the coin’s historic character.
As one of the final issues in the half cent series, the 1854 enjoys consistent demand from type collectors as well as specialists in early American copper. Its status as part of the Braided Hair design makes it a desirable representative of the last generation of the denomination, and its Mint State preservation adds another layer of collectibility. Though not as rare as the Proof-only 1852 or 1857 issues, the 1854 still occupies a critical place in the series and is more affordable than many of its scarcer predecessors. The certified MS62RB grade assures buyers of its authenticity, originality, and superior quality for its age.
Collectors seeking a well-struck, attractively toned, and accurately graded example of this historic coin will find the 1854 MS62RB to be an excellent choice. Its appeal spans several areas of interest: early copper enthusiasts, 19th-century type set builders, and students of U.S. monetary history. The coin represents a time of transition, as the U.S. Mint prepared to phase out small-denomination copper coinage in favor of the more modern and practical small cents that would arrive in 1856 with the Flying Eagle cent. As such, the 1854 half cent stands as a bridge between early and modern U.S. coinage.
In conclusion, the Certified 1854 Half Cent MS62RB by ANACS is a superbly preserved and historically significant coin that offers excellent value and charm. Its moderate mintage, final-era status, and high-grade copper surfaces combine to make it an essential piece for collectors of classic U.S. coinage. With its blend of original red color, strong strike, and attractive design, it captures the aesthetic and numismatic qualities that continue to draw collectors to America’s earliest coinage. Whether viewed as an investment in 19th-century copper or a treasured piece of U.S. history, this 1854 half cent remains a dignified and compelling acquisition.