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1849

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,178,500 Combined mintage for all 1849 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-275

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About this coinHistory

The 1849 large cent was produced during the year the California Gold Rush began. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill had no immediate impact on copper coinage, but the broader economic expansion it triggered would reshape American monetary policy within a few years. The 1849 cent is available in circulated grades at standard pricing.

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) $33 $38
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $48 $55
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $121 $140
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $162 $187
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $245 $280
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $615 $650
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $245–$280 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1849 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
4,178,500 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1849 varieties).
What is a 1849 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1849 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 1849 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.