1850 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
$10,800 MS65BN 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1850 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 39,800, this is an extremely rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of 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. Philadelphia-only production continued. The denomination was increasingly impractical. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $91 to $2.5K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1221.
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