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1851

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 9,889,707 Combined mintage for all 1851 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-279

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About this coinHistory

The 1851 large cent has the highest mintage in the entire Braided Hair series: over 9.8 million coins. The massive output makes the 1851 one of the most affordable and accessible large cents of any period. Examples are available across a wide grade range, from well-worn Good through Mint State. The 1851 is an excellent choice for a type collector who wants a single Braided Hair large cent at the lowest possible cost.

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 1851 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 1851 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
9,889,707 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1851 varieties).
What is a 1851 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1851 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 1851 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.