Braided Hair Half Cent 1840—1857

The Braided Hair Half Cent refers to a series of coins that were minted by the United States from 1840 to 1857. These small copper coins had a face value of half a cent, or 1/200th of a U.S. dollar.

The Braided Hair Half Cent features an obverse design known as the "Braided Hair" because it depicts the profile of Lady Liberty with her hair intricately braided and coiled. The words "Liberty" and the date of minting are inscribed on the obverse as well.

On the reverse side of the coin, you will find the denomination "Half Cent" within a wreath made of tobacco leaves. The wreath is tied together by a bow at the bottom, and the words "United States of America" encircle the design.

These coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and do not carry a mint mark. They were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who also designed other coins for the United States Mint during that period.

The Braided Hair Half Cent series was the last to be produced before the denomination was discontinued. The Half Cent was no longer popular due to its low purchasing power and increasing production costs. As a result, it was eventually phased out and replaced by the larger copper-nickel Flying Eagle cent in 1857.

Today, Braided Hair Half Cents are considered collectible items and can be found in various conditions. The value of a Braided Hair Half Cent depends on its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. If you are looking to purchase or sell one, it's recommended to consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer who can provide you with an accurate valuation based on current market conditions.

 

Key Dates

The Braided Hair Half Cent series includes several key dates that are particularly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. Here are some of the key dates in the series:

1840: The first year of the Braided Hair Half Cent series is often considered a key date. The 1840 half cent has a relatively low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors.

1848: This year saw a significant decrease in the production of half cents, resulting in relatively fewer coins minted. The 1848 Braided Hair Half Cent is considered scarce and is in demand among collectors.

1851: The 1851 half cent is another key date in the series. It has a lower mintage compared to some other years, and finding one in good condition can be a challenge.

1856: The 1856 Braided Hair Half Cent is notable because it was the last year of regular production for the series. This final year issue tends to attract interest from collectors.

These key dates represent some of the scarcer and more sought-after coins in the Braided Hair Half Cent series. As with any collectible item, the value of these coins can vary based on factors such as condition, rarity, and demand in the market. It's always recommended to consult with a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for a professional appraisal and to get an accurate assessment of their value.