The Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cent, minted from 1839 to 1857, was the last of the large-size cents before the U.S. Mint switched to the smaller penny we know today.
Over time, certain varieties of these coins have become extremely valuable due to design changes, minting errors, and limited production.
Some of these rare cents are worth thousands of dollars. Let’s take a closer look at 11 of the rarest and most valuable Braided Hair Large Cents.
1. 1839 Silly Head Large Cent
This variety got its nickname because Liberty’s head appears exaggerated and slightly cartoonish.
It is believed that an engraver experimented with the design, making it unique compared to other 1839 cents. Collectors love this variety, and a well-preserved example can sell for over $5,000.
2. 1839 Booby Head Large Cent
Another interesting variety from 1839, the Booby Head Large Cent, features an unusual engraving where Liberty’s head looks larger and oddly shaped.
Experts think this was due to a change in the engraving process. Because of its distinct design and rarity, collectors will pay more than $6,000 for a high-grade version.
3. 1840 Small Date Large Cent
The 1840 Small Date variety is special because it has a smaller date inscription compared to other 1840 cents.
This happened because different working dies were used in production. Due to its low mintage and high demand, this variety can be worth $4,500 or more.
4. 1843 Petite Head Large Cent
In 1843, the U.S. Mint changed the design slightly, resulting in the Petite Head variety. Liberty’s head is smaller and more refined in this version, making it different from later designs.
This coin is rarer than other 1843 cents, and collectors have paid over $3,000 for a well-preserved one.
5. 1846 Small Date Large Cent
This coin is highly sought after due to its distinct small date design. The variation happened because a different die was used, making the numerals appear smaller. Because of its rarity, an 1846 Small Date Large Cent in mint condition can be worth over $5,500.
6. 1847/7 Overdate Large Cent
One of the most famous errors in the Braided Hair series, the 1847/7 Large Cent features a 7 stamped over another 7 due to a mistake in the die preparation process.
This creates a visible overlap in the numbers. Collectors love this type of error, and high-grade examples can sell for more than $6,500.
7. 1850 Proof Large Cent
Proof coins are specially struck with polished dies, creating a mirror-like finish. The 1850 Proof Large Cent is one of the rarest, with only a few known to exist.
Because of its extreme rarity, this coin can fetch $12,000 or more at auction.
8. 1851 N-42 Large Cent
This variety is notable for its unique die pairing, which resulted in differences in letter spacing and engraving details. It was likely an experimental die, making it one of the hardest-to-find varieties. A top-condition 1851 N-42 Large Cent can be valued at $8,000 or more.
9. 1855 Upright 5s Large Cent
In 1855, the U.S. Mint used two different styles for the number 5 in the date. The Upright 5s variety is the rarer of the two, likely due to the use of multiple dies during production. Well-preserved examples can sell for over $7,500.
10. 1856 Proof Large Cent
As one of the final years of the Braided Hair Large Cent series, the 1856 Proof Large Cent is extremely rare and valuable. Only a few were made, mostly for collectors and officials. A well-preserved 1856 Proof Large Cent can sell for $15,000 or more.
11. 1857 Large Date Large Cent
1857 was the last year large cents were made before the switch to the modern small cent. This year’s Large Date variety is rarer than the Small Date version, making it a sought-after collector’s item.
High-grade examples of this final-year large cent can be worth more than $9,000.
Table: 11 Rare Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cents
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1839 Silly Head | Philadelphia | $5,000+ | Exaggerated Liberty head design |
| 1839 Booby Head | Philadelphia | $6,000+ | Oddly shaped Liberty head |
| 1840 Small Date | Philadelphia | $4,500+ | Compact date size due to different dies |
| 1843 Petite Head | Philadelphia | $3,000+ | Smaller, more refined Liberty head |
| 1846 Small Date | Philadelphia | $5,500+ | Smaller date variation |
| 1847/7 Overdate | Philadelphia | $6,500+ | Overlapping “7” error in the date |
| 1850 Proof | Philadelphia | $12,000+ | Rare proof coin with mirror-like finish |
| 1851 N-42 | Philadelphia | $8,000+ | Unique die pairing, spacing anomalies |
| 1855 Upright 5s | Philadelphia | $7,500+ | Distinct upright numeral style |
| 1856 Proof | Philadelphia | $15,000+ | Rare proof coin, end of the series |
| 1857 Large Date | Philadelphia | $9,000+ | Scarcer large date variety from final year |
Braided Hair Large Cents are among the most iconic and collectible early U.S. coins. Their historical significance, unique designs, and minting errors make them highly sought after by collectors.
While these coins are rare, finding one in good condition could be a valuable investment.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, keeping an eye out for these historic coins could lead to an exciting and profitable discovery!
