1840 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small/Large 18
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
$16,100 MS66 12-19-2013 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1840 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small/Large 18 is part of the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series. With a mintage of 2.5 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 33% 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. Large Date and Small Date varieties exist. The Petite Head subtype appeared. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $61 to $3.1K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1826.
External References
Error Varieties(3)
CU-1c-1840-01 Rim Cud
RRDC-1c-1840-01 Bisecting Rim to Rim Die Crack
RRDC-1c-1840-01 Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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