1836 Classic Head Half Cents : Original - Proof Only

What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

One major variety of the 1836 Classic Head Half Cent (Penny) is the original strike type. This variety features the reverse of 1836 with the large round berries. In addition: A line or bar is under the word "CENT" and a dot in the center of the coin as depicted above.

First Restrike: There was a first restrike variety which was produced around 1859 using the exact same physical dies as the original coins (including reverse of 1836) - which makes it extremely difficult to discern the differences between the two. According to experts: The first restrike has a bulge in the center due to the obverse die along with some buckling and much stronger details along the rims.

The difference between the original vs restrike (reverse of 1840) is depicted below in the example comparison image (reverse of 1836 restrike is not shown as it looks virtually identical to the original as it uses the same physical die). Source of example images are courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries:

Coin Value Chart: Typical Coin Prices, Values and Worth in USD based on Grade/Condition. Numismatic portion of the values last updated February 2026, precious metal portion of the values is updated live!

Good (G-4)	Very Good (VG-8)	Fine (F-12)	Very Fine (VF-20)	Extremely Fine (EF-40)	About Uncirculated (AU-50)	Uncirculated (MS-60)	Uncirculated (MS-63)	Proof (PR-63)
-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	$11,481

USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1836 Classic Head Half Cent (Original - Proof Only Variety) is Worth $11,481 or more. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.


MELT VALUE: $0.0709