1849 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent - Large Date

Coin Details

Auction Record

$36,800 PR64 01-26-2014 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1849 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent - Large Date is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 5, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% 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. 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $7.1K. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1308.