Braided Hair Large Cent Values
How Much Braided Hair Large Cents are Worth: Braided Hair Large Cent Values & Coin Price Chart
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1838 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $1,157 | $2,145 | $4,400 | $5,588 |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,080 | $8,300 | $13,200 | $22,000 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Head of 1838 | BN | $43 | $63 | $102 | $208 | $288 | $533 | $983 | $1,745 | $2,700 | $6,500 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Silly Head | BN | $40 | $52 | $98 | $273 | $569 | $855 | $1,665 | $2,600 | $5,495 | $9,850 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Silly Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,420 | $3,500 | $9,300 | $13,250 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | BN | $52 | $70 | $150 | $260 | $483 | $833 | $1,845 | $3,729 | $4,825 | $6,265 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000 | $3,070 | $3,980 | $11,700 | $31,000 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,000 | $22,800 | $30,800 | -- |
| 1839/6 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $688 | $1,285 | $2,730 | $8,100 | $18,950 | -- | -- | -- | $247,500 | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Type of 1840 | BN | $52 | $82 | $99 | $224 | $432 | $990 | $2,415 | $5,775 | $7,800 | $15,500 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Type of 1840 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,100 | $3,013 | $6,150 | $12,650 | $45,000 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Head of 1838 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $700 | $1,115 | $2,150 | $12,325 | $16,750 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000 | $2,650 | $3,790 | $13,300 | -- |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small/Large 18 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,250 | $9,050 | $16,800 | $35,995 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small/Large 18 | BN | $110 | $137 | $210 | $520 | $1,180 | $2,695 | $5,030 | $8,225 | $11,475 | $17,850 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,600 | $3,638 | $5,368 | $11,040 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $35 | $58 | $84 | $184 | $401 | $885 | $1,330 | $1,915 | $3,505 | $6,780 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,000 | $11,995 | $22,700 | -- |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $31 | $45 | $87 | $167 | $289 | $728 | $1,225 | $2,080 | $2,910 | $7,775 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $50 | $84 | $118 | $165 | $260 | $785 | $1,483 | $1,978 | $3,750 | $5,625 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,625 | $4,175 | $7,550 | $12,700 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $9,175 | -- | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $27,375 | $72,500 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,800 | $3,415 | $6,000 | $13,425 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $35 | $47 | $90 | $152 | $282 | $603 | $1,375 | $2,270 | $3,915 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,375 | $31,000 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $665 | $1,300 | $2,785 | $4,738 | $8,025 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $29.60 | $39 | $50 | $112 | $260 | $625 | $1,245 | $2,229 | $2,730 | $6,200 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | BN | $40 | $43 | $70 | $114 | $229 | $588 | $1,118 | $2,053 | $4,230 | $8,025 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,500 | $2,250 | $4,225 | $7,525 | $15,000 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $12,875 | $45,000 | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Lg Letters | BN | $37 | $50 | $81 | $230 | $354 | $850 | $1,390 | $1,600 | $4,950 | $9,500 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Lg Letters | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,000 | $1,950 | $7,250 | $24,150 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Mature Head | BN | $42 | $55 | $84 | $330 | $448 | $680 | $1,700 | $2,300 | $3,775 | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Mature Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,555 | $3,290 | $4,550 | -- |
| 1844/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $10,000 | $36,950 | -- | -- |
| 1844/81 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $105 | $200 | $223 | $470 | $938 | $1,700 | $5,075 | $6,043 | $8,250 | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,025 | $2,288 | $4,275 | $7,550 | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29.60 | $60 | $52 | $109 | $228 | $575 | $1,385 | $1,925 | $3,140 | $7,250 |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $34 | $42 | $71 | $148 | $332 | $558 | $875 | $1,848 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $695 | $1,305 | $2,370 | $4,400 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,725 | $9,375 | $13,750 | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $50 | $35 | $42 | $100 | $136 | $343 | $648 | $928 | $1,578 | $3,615 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $748 | $1,465 | $3,005 | $4,525 | $9,880 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | BN | $31 | $38 | $70 | $96 | $195 | $439 | $788 | $2,575 | $7,500 | $11,500 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,250 | $9,625 | -- | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Tall Date | BN | $50 | $58 | $78 | $167 | $323 | $753 | $1,988 | $2,740 | $6,725 | $30,000 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Tall Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,875 | $6,950 | -- | -- |
| 1847/47 | (None) Phil | Large/Small 47 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $21,625 | -- | -- |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $27 | $35 | $60 | $100 | $185 | $549 | $520 | $825 | $1,655 | $3,800 |
| 1847/47 | (None) Phil | Large/Small 47 | BN | $82 | $123 | $144 | $368 | $468 | $1,430 | $2,943 | $4,688 | $10,100 | -- |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,370 | $6,450 | $14,050 | $35,000 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $28 | $33 | $53 | $100 | $173 | $344 | $573 | $779 | $1,510 | $2,975 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $393 | $880 | $1,190 | $3,135 | $5,545 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $450 | $1,250 | $8,125 | $21,675 | -- |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $28.50 | $37 | $80 | $104 | $228 | $404 | $704 | $1,298 | $2,165 | $5,750 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $1,960 | $2,420 | $4,125 | $10,000 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,850 | $11,200 | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $28 | $33 | $48 | $90 | $160 | $244 | $377 | $526 | $997 | $1,502 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $282 | $444 | $703 | $1,455 | $2,835 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $1,128 | $2,255 | $4,670 | $18,600 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,000 | $18,250 | $24,200 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,520 | $3,000 | $5,950 | $7,280 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $824 | $1,943 | $3,570 | $6,810 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $82 | $110 | $152 | $295 | $361 | $622 | $1,280 | $1,755 | $3,465 | $5,655 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $60 | $85 | $131 | $206 | $342 | $520 | $980 | $1,348 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $248 | $392 | $815 | $1,090 | $2,653 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $43 | $68 | $128 | $201 | $330 | $453 | $793 | $1,405 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $253 | $429 | $715 | $1,278 | $2,450 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,145 | $2,020 | $3,165 | $15,350 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $43 | $71 | $141 | $270 | $330 | $465 | $780 | $1,565 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $260 | $417 | $615 | $1,839 | $2,353 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $849 | $1,868 | $3,320 | $5,810 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,143 | $3,225 | $5,325 | $13,690 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $43 | $80 | $128 | $201 | $367 | $503 | $913 | $1,598 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $248 | $429 | $715 | $1,140 | $2,203 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $220 | $417 | $740 | $1,207 | $2,053 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $924 | $1,568 | $3,195 | $5,435 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | BN | $27 | $32 | $39 | $81 | $146 | $238 | $380 | $550 | $1,060 | $2,450 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $495 | $783 | $2,225 | $11,200 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,305 | $2,475 | $7,088 | $16,125 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | BN | $54 | $81 | $110 | $157 | $269 | $505 | $863 | $1,350 | $2,103 | $4,838 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,000 | $5,105 | $8,075 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,790 | -- | -- |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | BN | $29 | $39 | $46 | $90 | $131 | $221 | $342 | $465 | $858 | $1,698 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $248 | $479 | $665 | $1,232 | $4,240 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $965 | $2,175 | $4,900 | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $235 | $404 | $627 | $1,357 | $2,428 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | BN | $29 | $45 | $50 | $100 | $128 | $221 | $337 | $503 | $768 | $2,025 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $290 | $849 | $1,518 | $4,195 | $7,235 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | BN | $28 | $33 | $50 | $60 | $136 | $206 | $342 | $478 | $933 | $1,848 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $118 | $144 | $175 | $340 | $279 | $455 | $665 | $1,095 | $2,285 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,045 | $1,855 | $4,435 | $7,250 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,100 | $23,500 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $113 | $160 | $215 | $314 | $372 | $534 | $808 | $1,148 | $2,960 | $3,740 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,475 | $2,255 | $5,185 | $8,650 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,415 | $4,700 | -- | -- |
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.
