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1844 1844/81 Overdate

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Variety
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 2,398,752 Combined mintage for all 1844 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-261

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About this coinHistory

The 1844/81 overdate large cent is one of the more unusual overdates in the series. The date shows evidence of an 81 beneath the 44, suggesting the Mint repurposed a die from a significantly earlier date. The 81 could represent remnants from an 1841 die, with the 4s punched over the 1s. The overdate is visible on well-preserved coins under magnification.

The 1844/81 is collected as a recognized variety and carries a premium. The three-year gap between the original and updated date makes it one of the more dramatic overdates in the Braided Hair series. Certification services attribute the variety.

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 1844 1844/81 Overdate Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,398,752 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1844 varieties).
What is a 1844 1844/81 Overdate Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1844 1844/81 Overdate 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 1844 1844/81 Overdate 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.