1854 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1854 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series — a late issue, 16th of 19 years in the series. In 1854, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 4.2 million. This ranks 6th 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. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $437 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $15K in PR66 grade at Stack's. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.