1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base
Base
About This Coin
The 1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series — 4th of 19 years in the series. In 1842, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.2 million. This ranks 10th of 19 years by total mintage, at the series median of 5.2 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left with braided hair swept up and held by a beaded cord, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, with a plain edge. Produced 3 years after the celebrated 1839 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $1.5K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $16K in PR0 grade at Stack's. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(4)
1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Large Date
1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Large Date, Brunk A-19, A.S.V.K.
1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small Date
