1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small Date
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
$9,200 MS64 01-28-2004 Goldberg Auctioneers
Description
The 1842 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Small Date was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series. With a mintage of 2.4 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 46% of 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. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $1.5K depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1838.
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