1856 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
$2,990 PR60 03-11-2004 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1856 Braided Hair Half Cent represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 40,430, this is an extremely rare issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 99% of the year's 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. Penultimate year of the large cent. Production declined as the Flying Eagle Cent was being prepared. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $69 to $692 depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1236.
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