1844 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1844 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series — 6th of 19 years in the series. In 1844, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 4.8 million. This ranks 8th of 19 years by total mintage, below 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. The 1844/81 overdate is one of the most dramatic large cent overdates. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 4 known die varieties for this date, including cud. Produced 5 years after the celebrated 1839 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $91 to $6.3K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $18K in PR64BN grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.