1846, Coronet Head Cent: Debunking Braided Hair Confusion

The 1846 Coronet Head Cent is one of the most searched terms in large cent collecting – and also one of the most misunderstood. No coin bearing that exact description exists. The Coronet Head series ran from 1816 to 1839, meaning any cent dated 1846 belongs to the Braided Hair Large Cent series that followed it. That confusion is widespread, and this guide clears it up completely. Whether you stumbled across a coin in an old collection, are building a type set, or just want to know what your cent is worth, you will find the answers here.

Large cents from this era are tangible pieces of early American monetary history. They are affordable, historically rich, and increasingly appreciated by collectors who want something more than modern bullion. Understanding the difference between the Coronet and Braided Hair types – and knowing exactly what an 1846-dated cent actually is – puts you well ahead of most casual buyers.

What the 1846 Coronet Head Cent Actually Is

The Coronet Head Cent, sometimes called the Matron Head Cent, was produced from 1816 through 1839. Engraver Robert Scot designed the portrait: a left-facing Liberty wearing a coronet (a flat ribbon headband) inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” with mature curls and a bun. The design replaced the Classic Head type and gave Liberty a more dignified, adult appearance compared to earlier portraits.

Production ended in 1839 when Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht updated the design. He swept Liberty’s hair into braids and refined the portrait, launching the Braided Hair Large Cent series that ran through 1857. So when collectors search for an “1846 Coronet Head Cent,” they are almost always looking at – or asking about – an 1846 Braided Hair Large Cent. The two types look similar at a glance, which explains the persistent confusion.

The 1846 Braided Hair cent had a mintage of approximately 6,837,000 pieces, all struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mintmark. It is a common date within the series, which makes it accessible for new collectors and affordable in most circulated grades.

A Brief History of the Coronet Head Series

The U.S. Mint Act of 1792 authorized large copper cents as the country’s primary one-cent denomination. These coins – roughly the size of a modern half dollar – circulated as everyday currency for more than six decades.

The Coronet era – 1816 to 1839 – is sometimes called the “Middle Dates” period of large cent collecting. Over 50 million Coronet cents were struck during those 23 years, all at Philadelphia. Varieties emerged naturally from die wear and recutting: the 1819/8 overdate, Small and Large Date differences in 1819 and 1820, and a distinctive pointed coronet tip seen on some 1836 examples.

By the late 1830s, rising copper prices and public demand for a smaller, lighter coin put pressure on the large cent format. Gobrecht’s Braided Hair redesign was partly an aesthetic update and partly a response to that pressure. The large cent format survived until 1857, when the tiny Flying Eagle Cent finally replaced it. You can read more about that transition in our 1857 Flying Eagle Cent guide.

Design Features: Coronet vs. Braided Hair

Knowing how to tell these two types apart matters for both collectors and sellers.

Coronet Head Design (1816-1839)

The obverse shows Liberty facing left, wearing a flat coronet above the ear and forehead with “LIBERTY” inscribed across it. Her hair is pulled back into a plain bun with loose curls – no braids. The date appears below the portrait. The reverse features a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton, and oak, tied at the bottom with a bow. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” circles the rim, and “ONE CENT” fills the center.

Braided Hair Design (1839-1857)

The Braided Hair obverse keeps the same general layout but Liberty’s hair is now swept into a braided bun, with additional locks near the ear and neck. The coronet remains, still reading “LIBERTY.” The reverse is nearly identical to the Coronet type. At first glance the two look alike – it takes a close look at the hair treatment to spot the difference.

Physical Specifications

Varieties of the 1846 Braided Hair Large Cent

The 1846 cent does not have the dramatic overdates or rare die marriages found in some other years of the series, but variety collectors still examine it closely using Howard Newcomb’s die study – the standard reference for large cent varieties.

• Standard 1846: The most common die pairing. Around 6.8 million struck. Progressive die wear creates different “die states” that variety specialists track.
• Repunched dates: Some 1846 cents show evidence of the date being punched more than once, creating a slight doubling. These command modest premiums over typical examples.
• Die clashes: Occasionally the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them, leaving ghost impressions of the opposite design. Clash marks add collector interest.
• No major overdates: Unlike the 1819/8 Coronet overdate or the 1844 44/81 Braided Hair overdate, 1846 has no confirmed significant overdate variety.

For comparison, years like 1843 offer more dramatic variety collecting – the 1843 Petite Head, with its smaller portrait, can bring over $1,000 in VF condition. The 1846 is a workhorse date: common, affordable, and a solid entry point for anyone building a Braided Hair type set.

If you enjoy the history of early U.S. cents, the 1860 Indian Head Cent value guide covers the denomination’s next major design chapter, and the 1865 Two-Cent Piece shows what was happening in American coinage just a few years after large cents ended.

1846 Braided Hair Large Cent Value by Grade

Copper coins are graded on the standard Sheldon scale from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect uncirculated). For the 1846 cent, grade is the single biggest driver of value. Problem-free, original-surface examples always trade above cleaned or corroded ones.

Gem Mint State examples – MS-65 and above – can reach $2,000 or more at major auction houses. Recent auction results for high-grade 1846 cents have ranged from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on surface quality and eye appeal.

PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries

The intrinsic copper melt value of these coins is negligible – roughly five cents at current copper spot prices. All value here is numismatic. That makes condition and originality everything.

How to Grade and Authenticate Your 1846 Large Cent

Grading copper coins at home is possible, but professional verification from PCGS or NGC removes doubt and protects your investment. Here is a practical process for assessing what you have:

Accurate Precious Metals is an NGC Authorized Dealer, which means we can assist customers with NGC grading submissions. If you have a large cent – or any numismatic coin – and want professional eyes on it, reach out to us directly at (503) 400-5608 or visit our Salem, Oregon location.

Practical Buying Tips for Collectors

The 1846 Braided Hair cent is an excellent entry-level coin for anyone interested in early American copper. Here is how to buy smart:

• Buy slabbed when possible. PCGS and NGC holders confirm the grade and protect the coin. Raw coins are fine for experienced collectors, but beginners should stick to slabs.
• Prioritize problem-free examples. A VF-20 with original surfaces beats an EF-40 that has been cleaned. The market agrees – problem-free coins consistently bring premiums.
• Set a budget before you browse. Nice circulated examples in VF to EF range run $40-$100. That is an affordable entry point for a coin nearly 180 years old.
• Use reputable auction platforms. Heritage Auctions is the largest numismatic auction house in the U.S. and a reliable source for graded large cents.
• Build contextually. The 1846 fits naturally into a Braided Hair type set (1839-1857) or a broader large cent collection spanning all types from 1793 to 1857.

Storing and Handling Your Large Cent

Copper is reactive. It responds to humidity, skin oils, and the wrong storage materials faster than gold or silver. A few habits protect your coin’s value long-term:

• Store in air-tite holders or hard plastic capsules. Avoid PVC flips – PVC reacts with copper over time, leaving a green residue that damages the surface permanently.
• Keep humidity low. A small silica gel packet in your storage box goes a long way.
• Never touch the coin’s surfaces. Handle by the edges only, or use cotton gloves.
• If you store large cents alongside precious metals, keep them in a fireproof safe. Copper coins add historical depth to a stack without adding melt-value risk.

Common Misconceptions About the 1846 Coronet Head Cent

Several myths circulate about this coin. Here are the most common ones – corrected.

“The 1846 Coronet Head Cent exists.” It does not. The Coronet series ended in 1839. An 1846-dated large cent is always a Braided Hair cent.

“All large cents are worth the same.” Values vary enormously by type, date, and grade. A common 1846 in Good condition might bring $15. A rare 1857 large cent in the same grade brings multiples of that because it is the final year of the series.

“You should melt old copper cents for their metal value.” Melting U.S. coins is illegal under federal law, and the numismatic value of a large cent far exceeds the copper content anyway.

“The Braided Hair series starts in 1840.” It includes 1839. Transitional 1839 coins – nicknamed “Booby Head” and “Silly Head” by collectors – are fascinating pieces that bridge the two designs.

“Varieties do not matter for common dates.” Even on a common date like 1846, a repunched date or die clash can add 20-50% to the value in higher grades.

Buying and Selling Large Cents with Accurate Precious Metals

Whether you are looking to add an 1846 Braided Hair cent to your collection or sell coins you have inherited, Accurate Precious Metals is equipped to help. We have been in business for over 12 years, have earned more than 1,000 five-star customer reviews, and operate as a specialized precious metals and numismatic dealer – not a pawn shop.

We buy all types of coins, including numismatic pieces like large cents, Indian Head cents, and early American copper. We also purchase gold, silver, platinum, palladium, jewelry, diamonds, and bullion in any form. If you are local to Oregon, visit us in person at our Salem location – our team can evaluate your coins on the spot and give you a fair, transparent offer. If you are outside Oregon, our mail-in service makes it easy: request a kit, ship your coins with free insured shipping, and receive payment quickly after our team evaluates them.

For collectors building sets that include early cents alongside modern bullion, we carry a broad inventory – gold and silver coins and bars, platinum, palladium, and copper rounds – all priced against live spot prices updated regularly. Our Salem, Oregon location is open for in-person visits, and we ship nationwide with insured delivery.

If you are curious how the 1846 large cent fits into the broader arc of U.S. cent history, our guides on the 1907 Indian Head Cent and the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent cover the decades that followed the large cent era.

Call us at (503) 400-5608 or visit AccuratePMR.com to get started. Whether you are buying, selling, or just looking for a professional opinion on a coin, we are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Greysheet – U.S. Braided Hair Large Cent Prices (1846)
2. PCGS CoinFacts – Large Cent Series Reference
3. CoinWeek – Braided Hair Cent 1839-1857 Overview
4. APMEX Learn Center – Large Cent Collecting Guide
5. NGC Variety Plus – Coronet Head Cents 1816-1839