1846 Braided Hair Cent Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth?
The 1846 Braided Hair Cent is a copper large cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and it comes in three distinct date-punch varieties: Small Date, Medium Date and Tall Date. Guide estimates for business strikes range from roughly $30 in G4 to about $1,445 in MS63, depending on the variety.
Proof examples also exist but require individual professional assessment rather than standard guide pricing.
Fast Way to Identify Your 1846 Braided Hair Cent
Snap clear photos of both sides of your 1846 cent and upload them here for a preliminary identification. Good lighting at a slight angle helps capture the date-punch size and any surface details.
This step can help you figure out which of the three date varieties you have before you dig deeper into grading and value.
1846 Braided Hair Cent Value
Upload both sides of your 1846 Braided Hair Cent.
Front Obverse
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Back Reverse
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Which 1846 Braided Hair Cent Versions Are Worth Money?
- The 1846 Tall Date in G4 lists around $38, slightly above the other two business-strike varieties at the same grade.
- In MS63, both the Small Date and Tall Date carry guide estimates near $1,445, while the Medium Date sits at about $1,243.
- Proof versions, including the Small Date Proof and Tall Date Proof, are rare enough that no standard guide price applies; each requires individual expert assessment.
- Repunched-date examples and major mint errors like off-center strikes can carry premiums independent of the base date variety.
Step 1: Identify Your 1846 Braided Hair Cent Mint Mark and Version
All 1846 Braided Hair Cents were struck at Philadelphia and carry no mintmark. Do not assume a branch-mint version exists for this date.
The critical first step is determining which date punch was used. The Small Date has noticeably shorter, more compact numerals.
The Medium Date sits between the two extremes in height and spacing. The Tall Date has elongated digits that are visibly taller than either of the other punches.
These are three separate varieties, not two, so resist lumping the Tall and Medium together.
Look at the obverse portrait of Liberty in a braided-hair coronet and the reverse wreath surrounding the denomination. Inspect the edge as well.
Date-punch shape, legend wording and wreath details all contribute to correct identification.
Weight can offer supporting evidence; the nominal specification is 10.89 grams of copper. However, wear, corrosion and period production tolerances mean weight alone cannot prove authenticity or variety.
Step 2: Check Your 1846 Braided Hair Cent Grade
Start by examining the hair detail above Liberty's ear and the smoothness of her cheek. On well-worn coins, the braid and individual hair strands merge first.
Flip the coin over and check the leaf veins in the wreath and the sharpness of the lettering around the rim.
Compare your coin against known grade examples of the same Braided Hair type using the reference image. A coin grading G4 will show a clear outline of Liberty with most interior detail gone.
An MS63 coin retains full hair and leaf detail with only minor contact marks.
Separate honest wear from other problems. A weakly struck coin may look worn but never had full detail to begin with.
Corrosion, porosity and old cleaning can each reduce market appeal well below what the grade alone would suggest.
Color designations on copper, such as BN (brown), RB (red-brown) and RD (red), describe the surface color, not different alloys. More original red color generally commands a premium.
And remember, Proof is a way a coin was manufactured, not a grade above Mint State.
Step 3: Check 1846 Braided Hair Cent Value by Mint and Version
1846 Braided Hair Cent — Small Date
The 1846 Small Date has compact, shorter numerals in the date compared to the other two varieties. Hold a magnifier over the "8" and "4" especially; on the Small Date they appear noticeably more squat.
This was struck at Philadelphia in copper with no mintmark.
Guide estimates from USA Coin Book place this variety at about $30 in G4 and around $1,445 in MS63. Circulated examples are reasonably available, but fully original mint-state pieces with good surfaces are a different story.
Check for cleaning or re-coloring, which can suppress value even on high-detail coins.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | PO 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| FR | FR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AG | AG 3 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G | G 4 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG | VG 8 | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| F | F 12 | Coin Identifier | ||
| F 15 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF | VF 20 | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 25 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF 30 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF 35 | Coin Identifier | |||
| XF | XF 40 | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF 45 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU | AU 50 | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 53 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 55 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 58 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS | MS 60 | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 61 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 62 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 63 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 64 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 65 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 66 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 67 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 68 | — | — | — | |
| MS 69 | — | — | — | |
| MS 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent — Medium Date
The 1846 Medium Date falls between the Small and Tall punch sizes. The digits are slightly taller than the Small Date but clearly shorter than the Tall.
This is the variety most often confused with the Tall Date, so compare them side by side if possible.
Guide estimates run from about $30 in G4 to roughly $1,243 in MS63. That MS63 figure is a bit lower than the Small or Tall Date at the same grade.
As with all these varieties, the coin is copper, struck at Philadelphia, and carries no mintmark.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | PO 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| FR | FR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AG | AG 3 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G | G 4 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG | VG 8 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VG 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| F | F 12 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| F 15 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF | VF 20 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VF 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF | XF 40 | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF 45 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU | AU 50 | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 53 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 55 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 58 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS | MS 60 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| MS 61 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 62 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 63 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 64 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 66 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 67 | — | — | — | |
| MS 68 | — | — | — | |
| MS 69 | — | — | — | |
| MS 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent — Tall Date
The 1846 Tall Date is identified by its elongated numerals, particularly the "1" and "4," which are visibly stretched compared to the other punches. It is not a subtle difference once you know what to look for.
Guide estimates start at about $38 in G4, a few dollars above the Small and Medium varieties, and reach around $1,445 in MS63. The slight premium at the low end suggests marginally stronger collector demand for this punch.
Philadelphia struck these in copper at the standard 10.89-gram weight.
Coin Value Lookup is a useful starting point if you want to compare guide values across other Braided Hair dates or other series while sorting out your coin.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | PO 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| FR | FR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AG | AG 3 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G | G 4 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG | VG 8 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VG 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| F | F 12 | Coin Identifier | ||
| F 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF | VF 20 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VF 25 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF 30 | Coin Identifier | |||
| VF 35 | Coin Identifier | |||
| XF | XF 40 | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF 45 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU | AU 50 | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 53 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 55 | Coin Identifier | |||
| AU 58 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS | MS 60 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| MS 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 62 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 63 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 64 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 65 | Coin Identifier | |||
| MS 66 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 67 | — | — | — | |
| MS 68 | — | — | — | |
| MS 69 | — | — | — | |
| MS 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent — PR
The 1846 Proof represents a specially manufactured striking with mirrored surfaces, sharp rims and precise die characteristics. A polished business strike is not a proof, no matter how shiny it looks.
Genuine early proofs of this era require careful attribution of manufacture, surfaces and die state by an experienced specialist.
No standard guide price is adopted for this issue. Each example needs individual assessment based on its authenticated identity, surface quality and any problems present.
Both Small Date and Tall Date proof branches are cataloged separately below, so if your proof can be attributed to a specific punch, use that entry instead.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR | PR 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| PR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 3 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 4 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 8 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 12 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 20 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 40 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 50 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 60 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 64 | Coin Identifier | |||
| PR 65 | Coin Identifier | |||
| PR 66 | — | — | — | |
| PR 67 | — | — | — | |
| PR 68 | — | — | — | |
| PR 69 | — | — | — | |
| PR 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent — Small Date PR
The 1846 Small Date Proof combines the compact date-punch variety with proof manufacture. These are genuinely rare coins.
Identifying one requires confirming both the Small Date punch and the telltale proof characteristics: mirrored fields, squared rims and consistent die finish.
Simply having a shiny coin does not qualify. Polishing, lacquering or careful storage can mimic reflectivity to the untrained eye, but the die preparation and striking pressure are fundamentally different.
No standard numeric price is adopted. Any example you suspect is a Small Date Proof should be submitted to a professional grading service for authentication before assuming its value.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR | PR 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| PR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 3 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 4 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 8 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 12 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 20 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 40 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 50 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 60 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 64 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 66 | — | — | — | |
| PR 67 | — | — | — | |
| PR 68 | — | — | — | |
| PR 69 | — | — | — | |
| PR 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent — Tall Date PR
The 1846 Tall Date Proof pairs the elongated date-punch variety with proof striking. Like its Small Date counterpart, this is a rare bird.
You need to confirm both the Tall Date numerals and genuine proof surfaces, including sharply defined rims and mirror-like fields that result from polished dies and deliberate manufacture.
No standard guide price is adopted for this variety. Value depends entirely on authenticated identity, the coin's condition and the severity of any surface issues.
If you think you have one, professional authentication is the appropriate next step rather than relying on visual comparison alone.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR | PR 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| PR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 3 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 4 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 8 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 12 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 20 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 40 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 50 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 60 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 64 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 66 | — | — | — | |
| PR 67 | — | — | — | |
| PR 68 | — | — | — | |
| PR 69 | — | — | — | |
| PR 70 | — | — | — |
1846 Braided Hair Cent Error List
1. 1846 Braided Hair Cent — Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not seated properly in the collar, causing the design to shift to one side and leaving an unstruck crescent of blank metal. On an 1846 Braided Hair Cent, look for a displaced Liberty portrait on the obverse and a shifted wreath on the reverse.
The date must remain visible for the coin to be attributable.
Do not confuse this with a clipped planchet, which produces a curved missing section with a different edge profile. Post-mint flattening or one-sided die misalignment can also mimic an off-center appearance.
No standard price is adopted for this error on the 1846 cent; each piece requires individual assessment based on the percentage of off-center shift, date visibility, and overall condition.
2. 1846 Braided Hair Cent — Die Crack
Die cracks appear as thin raised lines running across the coin's surface. They form when a working die develops fractures during use, and the metal flows into those fractures during striking.
On an 1846 cent, look for raised lines crossing open fields or cutting through Liberty's portrait or the reverse wreath.
A loupe or magnifier helps distinguish a genuine die crack from an incuse scratch, corrosion line or tool mark. Scratches are recessed into the surface; die cracks sit above it.
Photograph any suspected crack in closeup while also showing the full dated coin for attribution. No standard price is adopted for die-crack examples of the 1846 cent.
Value depends on the crack's prominence, location and the coin's overall condition.
3. 1846 Braided Hair Cent — Die Break / Cud
A die break, or cud, happens when a piece of the die physically breaks away, leaving a raised blob of metal on the struck coin. A true cud connects to the rim, distinguishing it from an interior die chip.
On an 1846 Braided Hair Cent, check the rim area carefully for any raised, featureless lumps that interrupt the normal design.
Do not confuse a cud with a rim dent, which is damage occurring after the coin left the press, or with corrosion buildup that can resemble raised metal. The boundary of a genuine cud is typically smooth and rounded.
No standard price is adopted for cud errors on this date. Assessment depends on the cud's size, location and the overall preservation of the coin.
4. 1846 Braided Hair Cent — Lamination / Split Planchet
Lamination errors show up as peeling metal, a retained flap or visible separation within the copper planchet. On an 1846 cent, look for a layer of metal lifting away from the coin's surface, sometimes revealing a different texture or color underneath.
Photograph the affected face and the edge together to document the split.
This error can be confused with deliberate scraping, surface corrosion or a coin that was intentionally cut or filed. Genuine laminations follow the contour of the planchet and typically have a natural, uneven edge to the separation.
No standard price is adopted for lamination errors on this date. The value of any example depends on the extent of the separation and the coin's authenticated condition.
5. 1846 Braided Hair Cent — Repunched Date
A repunched date occurs when the date numerals were punched into the working die more than once, with the second impression slightly offset from the first. On an 1846 cent, look for faint remnants of earlier digit positions beside or beneath the final numerals.
The "1," "8," "4" and "6" can each show traces of the initial punch.
This is different from machine doubling, which produces flat, shelf-like doubling across the entire design rather than isolated to the date area. Damage to the date from circulation or corrosion can also create misleading shadows.
No standard price is adopted for repunched-date examples of this issue. Each coin needs individual evaluation considering the clarity of the repunching and the coin's overall grade and surfaces.
