1846 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small Date
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$14,688 MS67BN 09-08-2022 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1846 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small Date is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series. The U.S. Mint produced 4.1 million examples, making this the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 33% of total production. 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. Small Date, Medium Date, and Tall Date varieties. Higher mintage year. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $1.4K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1865.





