1852 Braided Hair Half Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1852 Braided Hair Half Cent is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series — 13th of 18 years in the series. In 1852, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 60. This ranks 10th of 18 years by total mintage, above the series median of 56. 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. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $11K. A notable auction result reached $17K in PR64 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(2)
1852 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent - Original, Large Berries
1852 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent - Restrike
Other Base Coins in This Series
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