1852 Braided Hair Large Cent
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1850s (Minted specifically in 1852)
Material
100% Copper; 10.89 grams total weight
Condition
Good to Very Good (G-VG). Significant wear on the high points of Liberty's hair and the stars. Note the presence of green oxidation (verdigris) on the left field which negatively impacts grade.
Demand Level
Moderate. Large cents are a staple of US numismatics with a consistent buyer base of history buffs and coin collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $35.00 (Due to the visible environmental damage/corrosion)
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $65.00 (Current high-end retail value for a mid-grade raw specimen)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for 1852 Large Cents in similar G-VG condition range from $18 to $28. Cleaner, problem-free G-4 examples without green spots sell for $30-$35.
Description
Authentic 1852 Braided Hair Large Cent. This United States copper penny features Lady Liberty with braided hair and a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY' on the obverse. The 1852 mintage is relatively high for the series (over 5 million), making it a popular entry-point for collectors of pre-Civil War US coinage. This specific coin shows clear date and profile details but has some surface environmental issues.
Key Features
Pre-Civil War era US coinage; large format 28mm diameter (significantly larger than modern cents); part of the last series of 'Large Cents' produced before the transition to 'Small Cents' in 1857.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The font style of the date '1852', the spacing of the stars, and the specific wear patterns on the copper are consistent with Philadelphia mint products of this era. Die cracks (common for this year) are not immediately visible but may be present on the reverse.
Flaws to Note
Significant green verdigris (corrosion) on the obverse face near the profile; varied surface toning; heavy wear on the hair details and crown. Do NOT attempt to clean this, as chemical cleaning ruins numismatic value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is the best platform for reaching the widest audience. Alternatively, a local coin shop (LCS) for a quick cash buyout, though expect only 50-60% of market value.
Selling Tips
Take high-resolution, macro photos of both the obverse and reverse. Use keywords like '1852 Large Cent', 'Braided Hair', and 'Pre-Civil War Copper'. Clearly state that it is an 'original' or 'uncleaned' find to appeal to serious collectors. Mention the 1852 date clearly in the title.