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← 1840 Large Date Braided Hair Large Cents • 1839–1857 1840 Small/Large 18 →
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1840 Small Date

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 2,462,700 Combined mintage for all 1840 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-246

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1840:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1840 Small Date large cent uses more compact numeral punches for the date, producing digits that are shorter and narrower than those on the Large Date version. The difference between the two is a matter of which punch set the die sinker selected when preparing the working die. Both varieties were struck from the same Braided Hair design that Christian Gobrecht introduced for 1840, with Liberty's portrait, braid, and coronet identical on each.

The Philadelphia Mint produced both varieties in quantity during the first full year of the Braided Hair design. Neither is dramatically scarcer than the other. In 1840, the large cent was the backbone of small commerce. Priced at one hundredth of a dollar, it bought a sheet of paper, a few nails, or made change in transactions too small for silver. Millions of these coins passed through shops, markets, and taverns. The Small Date survives in the same grade range as its Large Date counterpart, with most examples falling between Good and Fine.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $19.50 $23
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $28 $32
F-12 Fine (F) $36 $42
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $57 $65
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $121 $140
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $225 $260
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $470 $540
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,180 $1,250
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $470–$540 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,462,700 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1840 varieties).
What is a 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.