The surfaces are pleasing with smooth brown color and a sharp strike. Historically half cent specialists have believed that all 1831 Original (there are also a handful of restrikes, struck from different dies) half cents were struck as Proofs, with several entering circulation for a time, others retaining their magnificent delicate surfaces. Regardless of the striking intent, several today are known that show evidence of circulation, ranging in grade from Very Good to AU-58; others are graded from Proof-60 all the way to Proof-65—the finest seen. Rarely offered and always sought after, any 1831 Original half cent crossing the auction block commands attention and forms a core holding of any advanced half cent collection.