1848 Proof Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,800 PR65BN 02-12-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1848 Proof Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series. With a mintage of 7, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 0% 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. 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Auction record: $16,800 PR65BN 02-12-2023 Heritage Auctions. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1973.