1851 Braided Hair Half Cent
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
$6,900 MS66 03-02-2006 Heritage Auctions
Description
A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1851 Braided Hair Half Cent belongs to the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 147,672, this is an extremely rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% 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. The 1851/81 overdate is notable. High mintage year. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $61 to $612 depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1224.
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