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1840 Small/Large 18

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Variety
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-247

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About this coinHistory

The 1840 Small/Large 18 variety shows a mixed-size date: the "18" portion uses different-sized punches, with the 1 and 8 appearing in mismatched sizes. The anomaly resulted from the engraver using punches from two different sets when laying out the date. The variety is identifiable on coins where the date retains enough detail to compare digit sizes.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1840 Small/Large 18 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,462,700 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1840 varieties).
What is a 1840 Small/Large 18 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1840 Small/Large 18 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/Large 18 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.