1857 Proof 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
$11,750 PR65+ 12-14-2014 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1857 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 266, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 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. Final year of the large cent denomination. Rising copper prices and the impracticality of the large coin ended 64 years of large cent production. 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 $6.3K. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1332.
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