Braided Hair Large Cent Values

How Much Braided Hair Large Cents are Worth: Braided Hair Large Cent Values & Coin Price Chart

Overview

The Braided Hair Large Cent, minted from 1839 to
1857
, was the final design of the U.S.
Large Cent series
before transitioning to the smaller-sized Flying
Eagle Cent. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse features a
refined left-facing Liberty with braided hair
, while the reverse retains
the classic wreath encircling “ONE CENT.” Collectors prize Braided
Hair Large Cents
for their historical significance, elegant design, and
key date rarities
, making them an essential addition to 19th-century U.S.
coinage collections.

History of the Braided Hair Large Cent

Introduced in 1839, the Braided Hair Large Cent
was a refined version of the earlier Coronet Large Cent. Designed by Christian
Gobrecht
, this version featured a more detailed and elegant Liberty
portrait
with a sleeker, more youthful appearance.

The series lasted until 1857 when rising copper costs
and increasing public dissatisfaction with the bulky large cents led to their replacement
by the Flying Eagle Cent
.

Key milestones in the series include:

  • 1839
    Transitional Issues
    – Some early examples feature design elements from
    the earlier Matron Head style.
  • 1843
    Petite Head vs. Mature Head Varieties
    – Features a distinct difference
    in Liberty’s facial proportions.
  • 1855-1857
    Final Years
    – The last large cents before the switch to small cents.

Collecting Braided Hair Large Cent Coins

Collectors seek Braided Hair Large Cents for their refined
design, final-year significance, and variety of minor changes throughout
production
. Due to their long circulation period, well-preserved examples
are highly desirable.

Notable key dates and varieties include:

  • 1839
    “Silly Head” & “Booby Head” Varieties
    – Unique
    early designs with distinctive Liberty portraits.
  • 1843
    Petite & Mature Head Varieties
    – Features noticeable differences
    in Liberty’s facial features.
  • 1847/7
    Overdate
    – A repunched date variety.
  • 1851/81
    Overdate
    – Features a visible 81 over 51 in the date.
  • 1855-1857
    Final Years
    – The last large cents before being replaced by small
    cents, marking a major numismatic transition.

Additionally, collectors look for Full Red (RD) examples,
as uncirculated pennies with original mint luster are significantly more
valuable.

Tips for Collectors

  • Where
    to Find Them:
    Braided Hair Large Cents can be found at coin shows,
    estate sales, and numismatic dealers
    .
  • Key
    Details to Watch For:
    Look for sharp Liberty hair details, strong
    date numerals, and well-defined wreath elements
    .
  • Proper
    Storage:
    Store high-grade Braided Hair Large Cents in airtight
    holders or certified slabs
    to protect them from oxidation, as copper
    coins are highly reactive.

Most Valuable Coin

The 1839 “Silly Head” and “Booby
Head” varieties
are among the most collectible due to their distinct
obverse designs
. Additionally, the 1851/81 and 1847/7 Overdate varieties
are highly sought after.

Investment Potential

The Braided Hair Large Cent remains a strong
investment choice
, particularly for early transitional issues, key
varieties, and high-grade specimens
. Coins such as the 1839 Silly Head,
1843 Petite Head, and 1855-1857 final-year issues
continue to appreciate in
value. Proof issues and Full Red (RD) specimens also remain in high demand.

Key
Dates and Varieties

Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates
and varieties:

  • 1839
    “Silly Head” & “Booby Head” Varieties
    – Unique
    early designs.
  • 1843
    Petite & Mature Head Varieties
    – Two distinct portraits of
    Liberty.
  • 1847/7
    Overdate
    – A notable overdate error.
  • 1851/81
    Overdate
    – A visible date repunching variety.
  • 1855-1857
    Final-Year Issues
    – The last large cents before the transition to
    small cents.

Notable Errors

  • Repunched
    Dates (1847/7 & 1851/81)
    – Features clear overpunching.
  • Clashed
    Dies
    – Some Braided Hair Large Cents show die clash marks due to
    improper striking alignment.
  • Off-Center
    Strikes
    – Occasionally, coins were struck misaligned, making them more
    collectible.
  • Die
    Cracks & Breaks
    – Some varieties feature cracks in the dies, which
    are highly sought after.

Design Features

The Braided Hair Large Cent, designed by Christian
Gobrecht
, features:

  • Obverse:
    A left-facing Liberty with braided hair, adorned with a coronet
    inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
  • Reverse:
    A wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” with
    “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.

Key design modifications include:

  • 1839
    Booby Head:
    This nickname refers to the varieties where Liberty’s
    shoulder is disproportionately large and exposed, looking somewhat like a
    breast.
  • 1839
    Silly Head:
    This nickname refers to the design, which has an
    additional lock of hair on Liberty’s forehead and a higher hairline.
  • 1840
    Petite Head:
    This nickname refers to the design in which Liberty is
    younger-looking, her head is upright, and she appears smaller than in previous
    iterations.
  • 1843
    Mature Head:
    This nickname refers to the design in which Liberty is
    more mature and often called inferior in beauty to previous iterations.

Conclusion

The Braided Hair Large Cent is a historically
significant and collectible U.S. coin
, offering collectors a mix of rare
varieties, refined design, and investment potential
. Whether for historical
appreciation, set-building, or investment
, this series remains a cornerstone
of early American coinage
. Understanding its rarities, design
variations, and market trends
helps collectors make informed decisions when
acquiring Braided Hair Large Cents.