1839 Braided Hair Large Cent Value Guide

The 1839 Braided Hair Large Cent marks a pivotal transition in U.S. Mint history as Christian Gobrecht's refined design replaced the aging Matron Head style. This specific year is highly collectible due to its unique variety of head styles, including the famous 'Booby Head' and 'Silly Head' iterations.

What Is 1839 Braided Hair Large Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1839 Braided Hair Large Cent is $25 - $27 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Variety rarity, with specific 1839 head types like the 'Head of 1838' often commanding different market interest than the 'Petite Head'.
• Surface preservation, as copper is highly susceptible to corrosion, pitting, and environmental damage which lowers the $25-$27 baseline.
• The presence of original mint luster or 'red' color, which is exceptionally rare for copper coins of this era.
• Overall strike clarity, particularly in the fine lines of Liberty's braided hair and the individual leaves of the reverse wreath.

How to Identify 1839 Braided Hair Large Cent?

• Look for the distinct Braided Hair Liberty profile, which features a more petite and refined appearance than previous years.
• Examine the date and head shape to distinguish between the four major varieties: Head of 1838, Silly Head, Booby Head, and Petite Head.
• Verify the composition is pure copper with a diameter significantly larger than a modern cent, measuring approximately 27.5mm.
• Check for the designer's influence, as Christian Gobrecht's signature style is evident in the sharper hair detail and updated coronet.

History of 1839 Braided Hair Large Cent

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Braided Hair design replaced the Matron Head style in 1839. This year is a transitional period for the U.S. Mint, featuring multiple head varieties including the Booby Head and Silly Head. The large cent was a staple of American commerce until it was replaced by the smaller flying eagle cent in 1857 due to the rising cost of copper.