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← 1842 Large Date Braided Hair Large Cents • 1839–1857 1843 Mature Head →
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1842 Small 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-253

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1842:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1842 Small Date large cent uses more compact numeral punches, producing digits that are shorter and narrower than those on the Large Date version. The two varieties are distinguishable with the naked eye on coins that retain moderate detail. The Small Date digits appear tighter and more closely spaced.

Both date sizes share the same Braided Hair obverse design and wreath reverse. The difference is purely in the date punches used during die preparation. Neither variety is dramatically scarcer than the other, and both circulated widely. In 1842, the large cent was two years into the Braided Hair design, and the Mint's production processes for the type were settled. Dies lasted longer, strikes were more consistent, and the coins that survive from this period tend to show clean, well-defined details even in lower grades. The 1842 Small Date is available across the standard circulated grade range without difficulty.

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) $48 $55
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $80 $92
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $121 $140
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $245 $280
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $470 $540
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,295 $1,370
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1842 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 1842 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,383,390 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1842 varieties).
What is a 1842 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1842 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 1842 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.