1851 Braided Hair Large Cent
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1850s (Minted 1851)
Material
100% Copper; standard 10.89 grams weight for the period.
Condition
Good to Very Good (G-VG). Significant surface pitting, environmental damage, and numerous small scratches/scuffs suggest a 'corroded' or 'details' grade rather than a straight numerical grade. The date and Liberty remain legible.
Demand Level
Moderate. Large cents are always in demand for type sets, but damaged 'filler' coins sell slower than original surface coins.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $12.00, Mid: $18.00, High: $28.00 (Price is suppressed by the poor surface texture/pitting).
Estimated Retail Value
Original face value of $0.01; modern retail for this year/condition is $25.00 - $35.00.
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for 1851 Large Cents with similar surface corrosion range from $15.00 to $22.00 plus shipping. Problem-free VG examples sell for $30-$40.
Description
Authentic 1851 Braided Hair Large Cent. This pre-Civil War copper coin features Lady Liberty facing left with 13 stars surrounding the bust. The date 1851 is clearly visible at the bottom. The coin shows significant age-related patina and surface texture consistent with long-term ground burial or environmental exposure.
Key Features
Early US Copper; Large Cent size (larger than a modern quarter); over 170 years old; high historical interest for set collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font style for the date '1851', proper coronet detail, and denticles along the rim are consistent with genuine US Mint strikes. Confidence: High, though surface damage is significant.
Flaws to Note
Extensive surface pitting and corrosion across both the obverse and reverse. Numerous small contact marks and scratches. Not a 'clean' specimen for high-grade collectors.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best for reaching the widest audience. Local coin shops may buy it but will offer a very low wholesale price due to the condition issues.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin; any further scrubbing will destroy the remaining value. Use the keyword 'Braided Hair Large Cent' and '1851'. Mention 'Environmental Damage' or 'Ground Recovery' in the listing to be transparent about the surface texture. Offer 'Standard Envelope for Trading Cards/Coins' on eBay to keep shipping cheap ($0.64-$1.11) to maximize your profit margin.