1857 Braided Hair Half Cent Value
The 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent is a business-strike issue from the United States, minted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is the final year of production for the Braided Hair Half Cent series. Only 35,180 examples were struck — the lowest mintage in the entire Braided Hair Half Cent series, making this the key date. Current catalog values range from $90 in lower grades to $19,000 in top condition — a top-quartile premium issue for the series; composed of copper (5.44 g).
145 collectors own one
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About the Braided Hair Half Cent
The Braided Hair Half Cent coin was produced from 1839 to 1857 by the United States Mint and is known for its well-defined imagery and strong condition. It was the last in the series of “Half Cents” struck by the United States Mint and is considered by some to be amongst the most artistic designs ever used on a coin from the United States. The design of the Braided Hair Half Cent was the creation of accomplished engraver Christian Gobrecht, who was the third chief engraver of the United States Mint. The obverse of the coin features an almost full profile view of Liberty’s head, facing left and wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY”. It is highlighted with a drapery at the back of her neck and featuring a small knob in front. The reverse of the coin displays a combined shield and arrows in a slightly curved orientation with shallow vertical lines emanating from the central section. Above the shield is an ornate laurel-leaf wreath containing the words “HALF CENT” at the top. The “1/100” value is found just below the wreath. One major factor that makes the Braided Hair Half Cent so popular is the quality of its strike. The many parts of the design on the coin, such as Liberty’s hair and the wreath, are all incredibly well-defined. This allows a collector to purchase a coin with a mirror like finish.
The Braided Hair Half Cent is a rare coin due to its short period of production. However, there are still a few different denominations available to collectors today. Mint State examples can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent coin, has a total mintage of 35,180, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by Christian Gobrecht. Made of copper, weighing 5.44 grams, with a diameter of 23 mm, and featuring a plain edge.
The obverse is miss liberty facing left, surrounded by stars. It reads "************* 1854". The reverse is value within wreath. It reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF CENT".
Price by Grade
Unlock all 13 grades| Grade | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 4 | $90.00 |
| 8 | $100.00 |
| 12 | $110.00 |
| 20 | $120.00 |
| 30 | $230.00 |
| 40 | $240.00 |
| 50 | $340.00 |
| 58 | $400.00 |
| 60 | $500.00 |
| 62 | $700.00 |
| 63 | $1,000.00 |
| 64 | $1,600.00 |
| 65 | $19,000.00 |
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Specifications
- Type
- Standard circulation coin
- Composition
- Copper
- Weight
- 5.44 g
- Diameter
- 23 mm
- Edge
- Plain
- Designer
- Christian Gobrecht
- Currency
- Dollar (1785-date)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the mintage of the 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent?
- The 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent has a total mintage of 35,180.
- What is the 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent made of?
- The 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent is made of copper, weighs 5.44 grams, and measures 23 mm in diameter.
- Where was the 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent minted?
- The 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent was struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint.
- How many people collect the 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent?
- 145 LuckyCoin collectors currently track the 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent in their collection.
- How much is a 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent worth?
- A 1857 Braided Hair Half Cent is valued between $90 and $19000, depending on grade and condition.