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1842 Large Date

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 2,383,390 Combined mintage for all 1842 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-252

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1842:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1842 Large Date large cent uses the taller numeral punches for the date, producing digits that are visibly larger than those on the Small Date version. The distinction comes from the Mint's inventory of numeral punches: steel tools with individual digits carved on their tips, used to stamp the date into a working die. Different punch sets existed in different sizes, and the die sinker chose from what was available.

The Philadelphia Mint produced a combined total of 2,383,390 large cents dated 1842, split between the Large Date and Small Date varieties. The country was still working through the lingering effects of the economic depression that began in 1837. Copper cents remained critical for everyday purchases: a loaf of bread, a measure of flour, postage on a letter. The 1842 Large Date is available in circulated grades across the standard range. Good to Fine examples are common, with Very Fine and better coins available at a modest step up in price.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $19.50 $23
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $30 $35
F-12 Fine (F) $36 $42
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $57 $65
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $105 $122
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $225 $260
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $400 $460
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,055 $1,120
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1842 Large Date Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $400–$460 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1842 Large Date Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,383,390 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1842 varieties).
What is a 1842 Large Date Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1842 Large 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 1842 Large 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.