J-177 (J177) 1856 1/2c PCGS PF63. R-5. Copper-Nickel Half Cent. This rare, proof, pattern half-cent shows not a trace of wear in keeping with the grade. The surfaces are clean and free of distractions worthy of individual mention. Muted mint luster glows within the devices, especially so in Liberty’s hair. The strike is above average with full details on most of the stars’ centers and the leaves.

In 1856 the Mint was experimenting with different metals. The first small cents, the Flying Eagles, were made in copper-nickel. The present coin, which was struck from regular dies, was made in copper-nickel too. Two slightly different alloys were used. One was 88% copper, 12% nickel alloy and the other was 90% copper with 10% nickel alloy. It is impossible without metallurgical analysis to determine which alloy was used on individual coins. The former was used for the Flying Eagle and subsequent copper-nickel small cents.

Christian Gobrecht designed the half-cent. He used the coronet motif for his design. It shows a profile of Liberty facing left. Her hair is tied in the back with beads as two curls flow down her neck. On the coronet the word LIBERTY is inscribed. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars and the date, which is below the truncation. At the periphery are dentils on both sides of the coin. The reverse shows the denomination, HALF CENT, written on two lines, enclosed in a wreath of laurel, which is tied at the bottom with a ribbon. The wreath is surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The coin has an R5 designation, which indicates that 31 to 75 pieces exist today. In its population report, PCGS shows 8 in PF63 with 18 better.