Collector's Key Unlock Your Collection
Log In Join Free
← Return to Braided Hair Large Cents
← 1846 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cents • 1839–1857 1847 →
Obverse
Image coming soon
Reverse
Image coming soon
Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1846 Tall Date

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,120,800 Combined mintage for all 1846 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-268

Collection

— collectors own this
— on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

Sign up free Log in
Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1846:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1846 Tall Date large cent uses the longest numeral punches available at the Mint, producing date digits that are noticeably taller than the Medium and Small Date versions. The Tall Date is the most visually distinct of the three date sizes. Even on moderately worn coins, the height of the numerals stands out when compared to the other varieties.

The Tall Date variety was produced from dies prepared with the largest punch set in the Mint's inventory. The distinction between the three sizes is entirely a product of the die-making process, not a deliberate design change. The Mint maintained multiple sets of numeral punches, and whichever set was at hand when a die was being prepared determined the digit size. The 1846 Tall Date is available in circulated grades and is collected as part of the three-variety date set for the year.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $25 $29
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $48 $55
F-12 Fine (F) $67 $77
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $100 $116
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $162 $187
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $285 $330
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $515 $595
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $1,230 $1,300
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1846 Tall Date Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $25–$29, rising to roughly $515–$595 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1846 Tall Date Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
4,120,800 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1846 varieties).
What is a 1846 Tall Date Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1846 Tall 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 1846 Tall 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.