1849 Braided Hair Half Cent
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
$6,600 MS65BN 03-25-2020 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1849 Braided Hair Half Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 39,864, this is an extremely rare issue — the highest mintage among 4 variants, accounting for 100% of the year's 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. 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 at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $81 to $860 depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1218.
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