Among early American coins, the 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent stands out as a statement piece prior to this nations civil war. Large Cents have more in common with bullion than people realize: their value unsurprisingly moves with condition, rarity, and market demand, not just age.

What Are Large Cents?

Large Cents were the first one-cent coins issued by the United States from 1793 to 1857. Struck from pure copper and nearly the size of a modern half dollar, they were an essential part of early commerce—even if many Americans disliked carrying them due to their weight and bulk. Over the decades, the Mint refined the design through five major styles, ending with the Braided Hair cent.

Christian Gobrecht designer of the braided 1849 cent

What Are Key Features of the Braided Hair Large Cent?

The Braided Hair series (1839–1857) reflects the Mint’s shift toward more modern, uniform production. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this final version of the cent introduced a youthful portrait of Liberty with distinctive braided hair, paired with a clean and balanced reverse wreath.

A few defining elements include:

Pure copper planchet (10.89 g, 27.5 mm)
Struck only in Philadelphia
Coronet with LIBERTY and 13 surrounding stars
Closed laurel wreath on the reverse
Multiple Newcomb varieties for most dates, including 1849
Mintage generally cited around 4.1 million for the year

How Much Is an 1849 One Cent Coin Worth?

Values for an 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent depend almost entirely on grade and surface quality. Copper reacts heavily to its environment, so small differences in condition can produce major jumps in market price.

Typical ranges include:

Good (G-4): about $19–$26
Very Fine (VF-20): around $70–$88
Almost Uncirculated (AU-50): roughly $193–$235
Mint State (MS-63): about $729–$750
High-end MS-66: can exceed $5,700

Color designations also matter. Original red copper (RD) is the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB) and then brown (BN). In mint-state coins, color alone can shift value by thousands of dollars.

Why Large Cent Condition Drives Value?

Grading a large cent is similar to evaluating a high-end collectible or antique bond certificate: age sets a baseline, but surface condition determines real value. Wear weakens the fine braids and wreath detail, while corrosion—a common issue with pure copper—can dramatically lower appeal. Damage such as holes or deep scratches can reduce a coin’s worth to a small fraction of its potential.

On the positive side, high-grade coins with original luster, strong strikes, or notable varieties see meaningful premiums. Many collectors certify better examples with PCGS or NGC to lock in authentication and market confidence.

The Historical Context Behind the 1849 Cent Issue

By the late 1840s, the U.S. Mint was struggling with copper costs and public frustration with the cent’s size. Large Cents weren’t legal tender, merchants often refused them, and many were melted down because scrap copper could sometimes be sold for more than the coin’s face value. In 1857, the series was discontinued and replaced by the smaller Flying Eagle cent.

Ironically, the disappearance of Large Cents helped spark early American coin collecting. When the coins suddenly vanished from circulation, people began saving them, especially earlier or better-preserved examples.

Tools and Resources Collectors Use Today

Q: What Are Key Features of the Braided Hair Large Cent?

The Braided Hair Large Cent, minted from 1839 to 1857, reflects the Mint’s shift toward more uniform, modern production. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, it features a youthful portrait of Liberty with braided hair, a coronet marked LIBERTY, and a closed laurel wreath on the reverse. The coins were struck in pure copper and represent the final design in the Large Cent series.

Q: How Much Is an 1849 One Cent Coin Worth?

Values for an 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent depend heavily on grade and surface condition. Typical market ranges include: Good (G-4) worth about $19 to $26, Very Fine (VF-20) around $70 to $88, Almost Uncirculated (AU-50) roughly $193 to $235, Mint State (MS-63) about $729 to $750, and high-end MS-66 examples that can exceed $5,700.

Q: Why Large Cent Condition Drives Value?

Condition drives value in Large Cents because copper is highly reactive and wears quickly. Fine design elements such as Liberty’s braids and the wreath fade with circulation, and corrosion can significantly harm surface quality. Age establishes a baseline worth, but the coin’s condition ultimately determines whether it is a modest collectible or a high-value rarity.

Collectors evaluating and storing Large Cents rely on a mix of traditional references and modern market data. Essential tools include:

Reference guides: The Red Book, Newcomb’s variety catalogs, Grellman’s studies
Market data: PCGS CoinFacts, population reports, auction archives
Software: Virtual Grellman for cataloging and attribution
Storage and preservation: Whitman Classic albums, Mylar flips, slabs, airtight holders
Inspection tools: Loupes and magnifiers for assessing surface quality and die varieties

Proper storage is crucial; pure copper reacts quickly to humidity and poor handling, so protective materials and controlled environments help preserve long-term value.

Final Thoughts on the 1849 Braided Large Hair Cent

The 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent may not be a precious metal, but it trades in a market shaped by the same fundamentals as bullion: scarcity, condition, and informed buyers. Whether you own a well-worn piece or a glowing mint-state example, you hold a small part of early American monetary history.

Understanding The 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent