1856 Braided Hair Half Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$2,990 PR60 03-11-2004 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1856 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 40,430, this is a scarce issue. The obverse features Liberty facing left with braided hair swept up and held by a beaded cord, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Designed by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1236. The Braided Hair design was the final iteration of the large cent before the denomination was made smaller in 1857. The final large cent type. Proof-only dates exist from 1840-1857. The series saw declining production as the Mint prepared for the transition to small cents.
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