11 Rare Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cents Worth Collecting

The Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cent is one of the most iconic and collectible coins in American coin history. It was minted from 1839 to 1857 and was the last coin in the US Large Cent series. After this, the US Mint started making smaller sized cent coins.

Some special editions of this series, variations in design, minting errors and limited production have made some coins extremely rare and valuable today. Below we will discuss 11 of the rarest and most collectible Braided Hair Large Cents that fetch high prices at auction.

1839 – ‘Silly Head’ Large Cent

This coin is called Silly Head because the design of Liberty’s face is slightly odd and exaggerated. It is believed that an engraver at the mint was experimenting with the design, creating this unique coin.

This coin is extremely limited and in good condition sells for over $5,000.

1839 – ‘Booby Head’ Large Cent

The Booby Head coin is also a unique version of 1839. In this, the shape of Liberty’s head appears different and more raised than usual. This design was created due to a technical error when new engraving techniques were being tested.

A good condition version of this rare coin can be worth over $6,000.

1840 – ‘Small Date’ Large Cent

This coin is identified by its small date engraving, which is more compact than other 1840 coins. This difference is due to different dies used in the printing process**.

This coin is in high demand and can sell for over $4,500.

1843 – ‘Petite Head’ Large Cent

**In 1843 the U.S. Mint tested several new designs, leading to the *Petite Head* version. Liberty’s face on this coin appears smaller and more compact, which sets it apart from later designs.

Due to this coin’s rarity, it can sell for over $3,000.

1846 – ‘Small Date’ Large Cent

This 1846 coin has a relatively small date engraving, which sets it apart from the Large Date series.

This coin is one of the rarest versions, and can fetch over $5,500 in good condition.

1847/7 – ‘Overdate’ Large Cent

Overdate coins are those that have a new number engraved on top of a previous one. In the 1847/7 version, a second ‘7’ is stamped over the ‘7’, making this a unique coin.

This mistake was caused by not using the correct die in the minting process. Today, good condition copies of this coin can sell for over $6,500.

1850 – ‘Proof’ Large Cent

Proof coins are coins that are specially made with a high-quality polished die.

The 1850 Proof Large Cent is extremely rare because of its low production numbers. Only a handful of collectors own this coin, and it can fetch over $12,000.

1851 – ‘N-42’ Large Cent

This coin is famous for its unique die pairing, which results in slight differences in the lettering and design. It is believed to be the result of an experimental die.

The highest-grade copies can sell for over $8,000.

1855 – ‘Upright 5s’ Large Cent

The 1855 Large Cent had two different designs, of which the Upright 5s version is the rarer one.

This design had a more straight and distinctive number layout, making it stand out from the other versions.

Collectors are willing to pay over $7,500 for this coin.

1856 – ‘Proof’ Large Cent

The 1856 Proof coin became minted in particular for creditors and officials, making it extraordinarily uncommon.

This coin is considered one of the most precious cash inside the collection, and can be well worth over $15,000.

1857 – ‘Large Date’ Large Cent

1857 was the last year of the Large Cent series, and coins from this year differ in date size**.

The Large Date version is less in number than the Small Date version, which increases its rarity.

If this coin is found in uncirculated condition, it could fetch over $9,000.

Conclusion

These coins from the Braided Hair Liberty Head Large Cent series are not only collectible, but also very historically significant. These coins tell the story of America’s coinage and design changes.

Today, if someone finds one of these rare coins in good condition, it can fetch a price ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.

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