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 | $77 | $89 | $130 | $190 | $289 | $606 | $943 | $1,490 | $4,788 | $7,750 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $245 | $293 | $360 | $588 | $679 | $1,403 | $2,745 | $5,065 | $10,225 | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,700 | $4,295 | $7,550 | -- | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $50,900 | $66,000 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $72 | $79 | $86 | $126 | $179 | $322 | $532 | $649 | $1,448 | $8,000 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $840 | $2,245 | $5,240 | -- |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,973 | $4,890 | $27,250 | -- |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $573 | $955 | $2,513 | $8,500 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $72 | $79 | $86 | $126 | $179 | $322 | $457 | $549 | $1,259 | $2,133 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,518 | $2,840 | $6,848 | -- |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $735 | $1,130 | $2,263 | $6,050 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $72 | $79 | $86 | $126 | $179 | $322 | $457 | $624 | $1,028 | $2,333 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $460 | $573 | $768 | $1,738 | $6,975 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $72 | $79 | $86 | $126 | $179 | $322 | $457 | $549 | $905 | $2,283 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $1,005 | $1,403 | $4,348 | $23,495 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $623 | $1,643 | $5,225 | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,650 | $30,500 | $70,000 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $72 | $79 | $86 | $126 | $179 | $322 | $519 | $687 | $1,425 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,195 | $4,825 | $19,000 | $32,500 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $992 | $1,615 | $2,805 | $10,500 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Original | BN | $81 | $93 | $110 | $195 | $253 | $398 | $650 | $812 | $1,715 | $5,000 |
Overview
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, 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. Collectors prize Braided Hair Half Cents for their refined design, low mintages, and final-year significance, making them an essential part of early U.S. coinage.
The Braided Hair Half Cent was introduced in 1840, replacing the Classic Head Half Cent as part of the U.S. Mint’s effort to modernize coinage. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this version featured a more detailed and elegant Liberty portrait, aligning stylistically with the Braided Hair Large Cent.
The production of the Braided Hair Half Cent was sporadic, with regular issues struck only from 1849 to 1857. Before that, from 1840 to 1848, the Mint only produced proof issues for collectors.
By 1857, the half cent denomination had been discontinued, as inflation and economic changes made it impractical for everyday transactions.
Collectors seek Braided Hair Half Cents for their refined design, limited circulation issues, and key date rarities. Many coins from this series were stored rather than widely circulated, making high-grade specimens more available than earlier half cents.
Additionally, collectors look for original, problem-free examples with full luster and strong strike details, as some half cents from this era exhibit minor planchet flaws.
The 1840-1848 Proof Braided Hair Half Cents are among the series’ rarest and most valuable coins, as they were only struck in minimal numbers for collectors. Additionally, the 1852 low-mintage issue and the 1857 final-year issue are highly sought after.
The Braided Hair Half Cent remains a strong investment choice, particularly for proof-only years, low-mintage issues, and high-grade specimens. Due to their scarcity and historical significance, coins such as 1840-1848 proofs, 1852 circulation issues, and 1857 final-year strikes continue to appreciate in value.
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
The Braided Hair Half Cent, designed by Christian Gobrecht, features:
Key design modifications include:
The Braided Hair Half Cent is a historically significant and highly collectible U.S. coin. It offers collectors a mix of scarce proof issues, low-mintage key dates, and a beautifully refined design. Whether for historical appreciation, investment, or set building, this series remains a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Understanding its rarities, design variations, and market trends helps collectors make informed decisions when acquiring Braided Hair Half Cents.
