1846 Braided Hair Large Cent (United States Penny)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1840s (Minted in 1846)
Material
100% Copper; high-quality vintage US coinage metal with significant historical weight.
Condition
Good to Very Good (G-VG). The coin shows significant circulation wear. 'LIBERTY' on the coronet is visible but faint. Denticles on the rim are present but soft. There is heavy toning and surface pitting suggestive of environmental exposure/age.
Demand Level
Moderate. Braided Hair cents are common enough for entry-level collectors but always in demand for 'hole filling' in coin albums.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $15 | Mid: $25 | High: $45 (Prices vary significantly based on whether it is the 'Small Date', 'Medium Date', or 'Large Date' variety).
Estimated Retail Value
N/A - Numismatic value only (Face value: $0.01; Metal melt value: ~$0.02 - $0.05)
Comparable Sales
Recent 1846 Braided Hair cents in VG condition typically sell for $22-$30 on eBay. Specimens with 'Fine' (F) details can reach $50+, while those with heavy corrosion or 'culls' sell for $10-$12.
Description
Authentic 1846 Braided Hair Large Cent. This pre-Civil War US copper penny features Lady Liberty with her hair tied back in a braid, secured by a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY'. Approximately 27.5mm in diameter, significantly larger than modern pennies. Obverse features the year 1846 and 13 stars.
Key Features
Pre-Civil War era US coinage; Large Cent denomination discontinued in 1857; High historical interest for collectors of US type coins; Visible date and readable Liberty inscription.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct diameter and design details for the Braided Hair series. The style of the '6' and '4' matches Philadelphia minting standards for 1846. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant surface wear and pitting; dark oxidation and potential 'environmental damage' (corrosion); edge dings and scratches consistent with circulation.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching coin collectors), Heritage Auctions (if part of a larger collection), or local coin shops (for immediate cash but lower payout).
Selling Tips
NEVER clean the coin; cleaning destroys numismatic value. Use macro photography to show both obverse and reverse clearly. Highlight the date variety in the title (e.g., '1846 Large Cent - Mid Grade'). Ship in a PVC-free coin flip and padded mailer.