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1850

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,426,844 Combined mintage for all 1850 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-277

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About this coinHistory

The 1850 large cent was produced in healthy quantity. The coin is a standard mid-century Braided Hair date, available in circulated grades without difficulty. The large cent was still a workhorse denomination in the early 1850s, handling small retail transactions across the country.

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) $205 $235
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $475 $500
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1850 Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $205–$235 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1850 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
4,426,844 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1850 varieties).
What is a 1850 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1850 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 1850 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.