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 | $1,157.00 | $2,145.00 | $4,025.00 | $5,588.00 |
| 1838 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,080.00 | $8,300.00 | $13,200.00 | $22,000.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Head of 1838 | BN | $43 | $63 | $102 | $208 | $288 | $533 | $1,033.00 | $1,820.00 | $2,825.00 | $6,500.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Head of 1838 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $700 | $1,115.00 | $2,150.00 | $12,325.00 | $16,750.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Silly Head | BN | $40 | $52 | $98 | $273 | $562 | $880 | $1,665.00 | $2,600.00 | $3,820.00 | $9,850.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Silly Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,420.00 | $3,500.00 | $8,800.00 | $13,250.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | BN | $52 | $85 | $106 | $260 | $508 | $833 | $1,895.00 | $2,785.00 | $4,775.00 | $6,390.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000.00 | $3,070.00 | $3,980.00 | $11,700.00 | $31,000.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Booby Head | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,000.00 | $23,050.00 | $30,800.00 | -- |
| 1839/6 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $738 | $1,385.00 | $2,730.00 | $8,100.00 | $18,450.00 | -- | -- | -- | $247,500.00 | -- |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Type of 1840 | BN | $52 | $82 | $104 | $237 | $432 | $990 | $2,615.00 | $5,950.00 | $7,800.00 | $15,500.00 |
| 1839 | (None) Phil | Type of 1840 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,125.00 | $3,138.00 | $6,725.00 | $12,650.00 | $45,000.00 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $31 | $45 | $89 | $185 | $289 | $728 | $1,200.00 | $2,080.00 | $2,835.00 | $7,775.00 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,600.00 | $3,688.00 | $5,368.00 | $11,040.00 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,000.00 | $10,995.00 | $20,200.00 | -- |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $37 | $75 | $89 | $184 | $401 | $885 | $1,355.00 | $1,915.00 | $3,505.00 | $6,780.00 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000.00 | $2,650.00 | $3,790.00 | $9,800.00 | -- |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small/Large 18 | BN | $113 | $142 | $210 | $520 | $1,180.00 | $2,695.00 | $5,030.00 | $8,350.00 | $11,475.00 | $17,850.00 |
| 1840 | (None) Phil | Small/Large 18 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,250.00 | $9,675.00 | $17,300.00 | $35,995.00 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $60 | $80 | $150 | $165 | $260 | $785 | $1,483.00 | $2,153.00 | $4,025.00 | $5,625.00 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,625.00 | $4,175.00 | $7,550.00 | $12,700.00 |
| 1841 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,500.00 | $9,425.00 | -- | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $29.60 | $39 | $50 | $150 | $268 | $625 | $1,295.00 | $2,015.00 | $3,030.00 | $6,200.00 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $665 | $1,400.00 | $2,785.00 | $4,738.00 | $8,025.00 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,375.00 | $29,750.00 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $35 | $60 | $92 | $157 | $290 | $603 | $1,375.00 | $2,145.00 | $3,790.00 | -- |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,850.00 | $3,540.00 | $6,000.00 | $13,425.00 |
| 1842 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $27,375.00 | $72,500.00 | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | BN | $29.60 | $43 | $60 | $114 | $229 | $588 | $1,193.00 | $2,053.00 | $4,230.00 | $8,025.00 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,525.00 | $2,300.00 | $4,225.00 | $7,525.00 | $15,000.00 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Small Letters | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $12,875.00 | $45,000.00 | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Lg Letters | BN | $40 | $55 | $92 | $241 | $362 | $894 | $1,550.00 | $1,790.00 | $4,950.00 | $9,500.00 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Petite Head, Lg Letters | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,250.00 | $2,200.00 | $7,250.00 | $24,150.00 |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Mature Head | BN | $42 | $55 | $89 | $330 | $460 | $680 | $1,825.00 | $2,300.00 | $3,775.00 | -- |
| 1843 | (None) Phil | Mature Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,555.00 | $3,290.00 | $4,550.00 | -- |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29.60 | $39 | $52 | $112 | $248 | $575 | $1,485.00 | $1,950.00 | $3,140.00 | $7,250.00 |
| 1844 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,038.00 | $2,288.00 | $4,400.00 | $7,550.00 | -- |
| 1844/81 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $118 | $144 | $235 | $483 | $913 | $1,700.00 | $5,150.00 | $6,043.00 | $8,250.00 | -- |
| 1844/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $10,000.00 | $36,950.00 | -- | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $34 | $42 | $71 | $148 | $332 | $533 | $875 | $1,873.00 | -- |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $708 | $1,438.00 | $2,370.00 | $4,180.00 | $3,740.00 |
| 1845 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,750.00 | $9,625.00 | $13,750.00 | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $30 | $35 | $44 | $102 | $141 | $343 | $623 | $878 | $1,478.00 | $3,615.00 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $748 | $1,465.00 | $3,055.00 | $4,525.00 | $9,880.00 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | BN | $31 | $38 | $70 | $96 | $195 | $439 | $788 | $2,450.00 | $7,500.00 | $11,500.00 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Medium Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,250.00 | $9,625.00 | -- | -- |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Tall Date | BN | $44 | $58 | $78 | $170 | $310 | $753 | $1,878.00 | $2,490.00 | $7,000.00 | $21,875.00 |
| 1846 | (None) Phil | Tall Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,838.00 | $8,325.00 | $11,000.00 | $19,800.00 |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $40 | $36 | $60 | $100 | $180 | $415 | $520 | $700 | $1,605.00 | $4,889.00 |
| 1847 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,370.00 | $6,450.00 | $14,550.00 | $35,000.00 |
| 1847/47 | (None) Phil | Large/Small 47 | BN | $84 | $130 | $154 | $375 | $493 | $1,430.00 | $3,018.00 | $4,688.00 | $10,100.00 | -- |
| 1847/47 | (None) Phil | Large/Small 47 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $6,000.00 | $21,625.00 | $22,000.00 | -- |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $28 | $34 | $80 | $100 | $188 | $356 | $560 | $841 | $1,585.00 | $2,975.00 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $393 | $905 | $1,240.00 | $3,210.00 | $5,545.00 |
| 1848 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $450 | $1,275.00 | $8,125.00 | $18,925.00 | -- |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $28.50 | $39 | $70 | $107 | $235 | $404 | $729 | $1,323.00 | $2,165.00 | $5,750.00 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $550 | $2,010.00 | $2,445.00 | $4,625.00 | $10,000.00 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,850.00 | $11,200.00 | -- |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $40 | $33 | $50 | $80 | $150 | $244 | $377 | $526 | $997 | $1,552.00 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $282 | $444 | $706 | $1,345.00 | $2,615.00 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $1,210.00 | $2,450.00 | $7,525.00 | $18,600.00 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $50 | $90 | $170 | $208 | $342 | $528 | $980 | $1,398.00 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $248 | $404 | $840 | $1,140.00 | $2,653.00 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $874 | $1,965.00 | $3,445.00 | $6,480.00 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $84 | $115 | $152 | $229 | $373 | $622 | $1,330.00 | $1,780.00 | $3,540.00 | $5,655.00 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,713.00 | $3,165.00 | $5,950.00 | $7,775.00 |
| 1851/81 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,175.00 | $18,250.00 | $24,200.00 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $42 | $68 | $128 | $206 | $357 | $498 | $885 | $1,515.00 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $260 | $448 | $721 | $1,278.00 | $2,228.00 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,195.00 | $2,120.00 | $3,465.00 | $15,350.00 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $60 | $100 | $141 | $221 | $330 | $440 | $780 | $1,423.00 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $260 | $404 | $565 | $1,140.00 | $2,453.00 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $899 | $2,215.00 | $3,320.00 | $5,605.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $29 | $38 | $60 | $75 | $130 | $206 | $355 | $478 | $888 | $1,598.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $260 | $442 | $690 | $1,140.00 | $2,228.00 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,143.00 | $3,225.00 | $5,325.00 | $13,440.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | BN | $29 | $39 | $47 | $81 | $170 | $226 | $342 | $465 | $883 | $1,723.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $220 | $417 | $765 | $1,182.00 | $2,053.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Upright 55 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $974 | $1,590.00 | $3,220.00 | $4,855.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | BN | $27 | $32 | $39 | $86 | $146 | $238 | $392 | $515 | $1,060.00 | $2,725.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $563 | $863 | $2,115.00 | $11,200.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Slanted 55 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,495.00 | $2,695.00 | $7,130.00 | $16,950.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | BN | $55 | $82 | $140 | $190 | $274 | $505 | $863 | $1,350.00 | $2,103.00 | $4,838.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,000.00 | $5,105.00 | $8,075.00 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | Knob on Ear | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,865.00 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | BN | $28 | $33 | $38 | $90 | $136 | $206 | $367 | $465 | $933 | $1,923.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $235 | $392 | $627 | $1,382.00 | $2,428.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Upright 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $306 | $899 | $1,565.00 | $4,195.00 | $6,905.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | BN | $29 | $38 | $42 | $80 | $170 | $226 | $330 | $528 | $805 | $2,025.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $248 | $467 | $652 | $1,207.00 | $4,240.00 |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | Slanted 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $965 | $2,200.00 | $4,900.00 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | BN | $123 | $152 | $188 | $245 | $380 | $480 | $690 | $1,120.00 | $2,285.00 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $995 | $1,605.00 | $4,435.00 | $7,250.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Large Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,500.00 | $5,200.00 | $23,500.00 | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $116 | $165 | $218 | $314 | $384 | $539 | $833 | $1,148.00 | $2,960.00 | $3,740.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $625 | $1,425.00 | $2,230.00 | $5,310.00 | $8,650.00 |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | Small Date | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,415.00 | $4,700.00 | -- | -- |
History of the Braided Hair Large Cent
Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Braided Hair Large Cent was minted from 1839 to 1857 and served as the final design of the U.S. Large Cent series before the Flying Eagle Cent. By the 1850s, rising copper prices, combined with the large cent’s bulky size and public dissatisfaction, made production increasingly impractical. In response, the U.S. Mint introduced the smaller Flying Eagle cent in 1857 for greater economy and convenience.
The obverse shows a left-facing Liberty with braided hair, while the reverse retains the classic wreath encircling “ONE CENT.” Outside of the wreath is “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” There are multiple design variations in this series.
- 1839 Booby Head: Varieties in which Liberty’s shoulder is disproportionately large and prominently visible.
- 1839 Silly Head: This nickname refers to the design, which has an additional lock of hair on Liberty’s forehead and a higher hairline.
- 1839 Head of 1838: The Braided Hair cent, which replaced the Coronet Head Cent (aka the Matron Head Cent), was introduced in 1839 and features a redesigned Liberty with her hair pulled back and braided into a bun that is held by beads.
- 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.”
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1839 “Silly Head” & “Booby Head” Varieties: Popular with collectors because of their distinct obverse designs.
- 1843 Petite & Mature Head Varieties
- 1847/7 Overdate & 1851/81 Overdate: Notable overdate errors.
- 1855-1857 Final-Year Issues: The last large cents before the transition to
small cents.
Types of Collections
Collectors value Braided Hair Large Cents for their historical significance, distinctive design, and key-date rarities, making them a notable component of 19th-century U.S. coinage collections.
- “Silly Head” & “Booby Head” Collection: Unique early designs with distinctive Liberty portraits.
- Full Red (RD) Collection: Uncirculated pennies with original mint luster usually command higher premiums.
- Condition and Grade Collections: Some collectors prioritize high-grade or proof versions of Braided Hair Large Cents, seeking coins in exceptional condition for rarity and investment potential. Registry sets and competitive collections often emphasize MS (Mint State) examples.
- Overdate & Error Collection: Collection of both overdate errors and other coins with other known errors.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Braided Hair Large Cents provide an entry point for new collectors because circulated examples are often available at coin shows, estate sales, and numismatic dealers. Focus on clear Liberty hair details, bold date numerals, and a well-defined wreath. Store coins in airtight holders to limit oxidation.
Advanced Collecting
Experienced collectors pursue this series for its many varieties and design changes, including Silly Head, Booby Head, Petite Head, and Mature Head types. Identifying repunched dates, overdates, and die errors requires deeper expertise. Store high-grade pieces in certified slabs to preserve condition and value.
Investment Potential
While market values can fluctuate, collectors tend to place a premium on Braided Hair Large Cents such as the 1839 Silly Head, 1843 Petite Head, and the final issues of 1855–1857. Proof issues and Full Red (RD) specimens are often in demand among collectors.