Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $84 | $99 | $137 | $197 | $284 | $606 | $981 | $1,590.00 | $6,538.00 | $10,250.00 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $245 | $293 | $360 | $613 | $743 | $1,578.00 | $2,820.00 | $5,065.00 | $10,600.00 | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,250.00 | $4,420.00 | $8,050.00 | -- | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $53,400.00 | $66,000.00 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $91 | $100 | $145 | $187 | $322 | $482 | $587 | $1,698.00 | $8,500.00 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $840 | $1,570.00 | $5,240.00 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,973.00 | $4,015.00 | $27,250.00 | -- |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $91 | $100 | $145 | $187 | $322 | $457 | $574 | $955 | $2,533.00 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $242 | $760 | $980 | $2,563.00 | $6,175.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $91 | $100 | $145 | $187 | $322 | $457 | $587 | $955 | $2,283.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $760 | $1,205.00 | $2,263.00 | $6,175.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,703.00 | $3,130.00 | $6,848.00 | $14,300.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $91 | $100 | $145 | $187 | $322 | $457 | $574 | $955 | $2,408.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $434 | $760 | $893 | $1,813.00 | $6,725.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $628 | $1,140.00 | $1,630.00 | $5,223.00 | $16,150.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $91 | $100 | $145 | $187 | $322 | $557 | $662 | $1,475.00 | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $434 | $760 | $1,718.00 | $5,725.00 | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $803 | $1,578.00 | $4,150.00 | $30,500.00 | $70,000.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | BN | $94 | $116 | $140 | $205 | $268 | $415 | $663 | $949 | $1,965.00 | $5,750.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $547 | $992 | $1,640.00 | $3,305.00 | $10,500.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $787 | $2,695.00 | $5,075.00 | $19,500.00 | $35,000.00 |
The Braided Hair Half Cent, minted from 1840 to 1857, was the final U.S. Half Cent series design before the denomination was discontinued. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this version features a more detailed and elegant Lady Liberty portrait, aligning stylistically with the Braided Hair Large Cent.
The production of the Braided Hair Half Cent was sporadic. From 1840 to 1849, the U.S. Mint only produced proof issues for collectors. There were a few exceptions, including proof-only coins for the 1849 issue and an additional proof-struck issue in 1852 alongside circulation strikes, but the bulk of the series’ proof coins were minted before 1849. By 1857, the half-cent denomination had been discontinued due to inflation and economic changes, making it impractical for everyday transactions.
The obverse features a left-facing Liberty with braided hair, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” while the reverse displays a wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. The Braided Hair half cents have some of the lowest mintages of any U.S. coin types.
Collectors and investors often seek the following:
Braided Hair Half Cents provide an entry point for new collectors because circulated pieces are often available at coin shows, auctions, and reputable dealers. Learn the basics of evaluating quality by looking for clear Liberty hair details, bold date numerals, and a well-defined wreath on the reverse. Store coins in airtight holders or certified slabs to prevent oxidation and preserve value. Starting with mid-grade examples helps beginners gain confidence before seeking scarcer coins.
Experienced collectors value this series for its rarity and variety. High-grade coins with original red color, scarce Proofs, and uncommon die varieties often require expert judgment and a higher budget. Significant pieces include the 1840 to 1849 Proof issues struck in limited numbers, the low-mintage 1852 Proof, and the popular 1857 final-year coin. Store these pieces in airtight holders or slabs to preserve their condition.
While market values fluctuate, the rarity of proof-only years, low-mintage issues, and high-grade Braided Hair Half Cents has historically supported steady collector demand. Coins such as 1840-1848 proofs, 1852 circulation issues, and 1857 final-year strikes have demonstrated long-term price growth.
