1836 Reverse of 1840 Proof

The 1836 Reverse of 1840 proof half cent is the most obviously anachronistic of the restrike issues. The obverse carries the Classic Head design dated 1836. The reverse uses a die from 1840, when the half cent had already transitioned to the Braided Hair design by Christian Gobrecht. The two sides of the coin come from different eras of the denomination, paired together because the Mint had an 1836 obverse die available and needed a reverse die to go with it.

The Reverse of 1840 is identifiable by the wreath and lettering style on the back of the coin, which differs from both the Original and First Restrike reverses. The 1840-style reverse reflects Gobrecht's modifications to the denomination's secondary design elements, changes that are subtle in isolation but clear when compared directly to the earlier reverse dies. Specialists and grading services attribute the variety based on these reverse characteristics.

This restrike was produced later than the First Restrike, likely in the 1850s or early 1860s, when Mint officials were actively producing restrike coins across multiple denominations to satisfy collector demand. The practice was not universally approved. Some numismatists of the period objected to what they saw as the manufacture of artificial rarities, but it continued until reforms later in the century curtailed the Mint's restrike activities.

Surviving examples are rare, with total populations estimated in the tens. The coin is collected as the third and final variety of the 1836 proof half cent series, completing a trio that documents the original production and two subsequent restrike programs. For a collector pursuing the complete Classic Head proof set, the 1836 Reverse of 1840 is one of several pieces that will require patience, significant investment, and confidence in the certification of whatever example eventually becomes available.