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The U.S. Large Cent 1840 Small Date Braided Hair AU (About Uncirculated) is a significant and historically important coin in the history of early American currency. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin is part of the series of large cents that were produced by the U.S. Mint from 1793 until 1857. The 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent is notable for its design, which was created by Christian Gobrecht, the chief engraver at the Mint. This particular coin stands out due to the distinct "small date" variety, which features smaller numerals for the year 1840 compared to other coins of the same year. It represents an important period in the development of U.S. coinage and is a much-desired piece for collectors of early American coins.
The history of the 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent can be traced back to the early 19th century when the U.S. Mint was still refining its coinage production methods. The U.S. Mint was established in 1792, and by 1840, the country had already undergone significant political, economic, and social changes. This period also coincided with the presidency of Martin Van Buren, and the U.S. Mint continued its efforts to create a stable and reliable currency for the growing nation. The Braided Hair design, introduced in 1839, was a major departure from earlier designs, such as the Liberty Cap and Classic Head, and it would remain in use until 1857. The 1840 coin is part of this series and serves as an example of the Mint’s ability to produce coins that reflected both the ideals of the nation and its expanding economy.
The design of the 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent is both symbolic and functional. On the obverse, the coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty, facing to the right. She is depicted with flowing hair that is braided and adorned with a simple cap. The braided hair was a new feature introduced by Gobrecht, which replaced the earlier, less detailed representations of Liberty. The portrait of Liberty on the coin was designed to symbolize the strength and ideals of the United States. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed above her head, and the date “1840” appears below her bust. The small date variety is distinguished by the smaller size of the numerals, which makes it an important point of interest for collectors. On the reverse of the coin, a wreath made of laurel and oak branches surrounds the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the denomination “ONE CENT” placed at the bottom of the wreath. The wreath symbolizes unity and strength, and the inscription clearly marks the coin’s value and origin. This simple but effective design became one of the most iconic images of early U.S. coinage.
The 1840 Large Cent was struck in copper, a material that was both abundant and affordable at the time. Copper was a practical choice for producing low-denomination coins like the large cent, as it was durable, easy to work with, and cost-effective. The coin weighs approximately 10.89 grams and has a diameter of 29 millimeters, making it larger than modern cents. The large size and copper composition allowed the coin to withstand wear and tear during circulation, ensuring that it could continue to serve as an effective medium of exchange. The U.S. Mint chose copper for its large cents to ensure that the coin could be mass-produced at a low cost while maintaining a standard of durability and usability for everyday transactions. The 1840 Large Cent was part of the country’s ongoing efforts to create a reliable and accessible currency system that could be used by the growing population of the United States.
The mintage of the 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent is estimated to be around 7.4 million coins, which was a relatively large number for the time. However, as many of these coins were circulated in daily transactions, very few examples survived in high grades. Over time, large cents like the 1840 were subject to extensive wear, leading to a significant reduction in their numismatic value as the coins became worn down through circulation. Finding examples of the 1840 Large Cent in higher grades, such as AU (About Uncirculated), is considered rare, especially when considering the coin’s age and the conditions under which it was used. Coins in higher grades are highly valued by collectors, as they offer a glimpse into the coin’s original appearance before it was subjected to the inevitable wear and tear of circulation.
The 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent in AU details represents a well-preserved example of this important coin. Coins in AU condition show light wear from circulation, but the design remains sharp, and the overall appearance of the coin is still striking. On the obverse, the portrait of Lady Liberty retains much of its original detail, with the braids in her hair clearly visible and the stars around her still discernible. The date “1840” is also clear, though the numerals are slightly softened from circulation. On the reverse, the wreath and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are still well-defined, with only light wear noticeable on the high points of the design. The coin’s copper color may show signs of toning due to age, but it retains a pleasing and authentic appearance. Overall, the AU grade represents a coin that has been used in commerce but still maintains a high degree of detail and eye appeal, making it an excellent choice for collectors who want to own an example of early U.S. coinage in good condition.
The 1840 Small Date Braided Hair Large Cent is an important part of the history of U.S. coinage, representing the transition from the earlier designs of the late 18th century to a more modern approach in the 19th century. The Braided Hair design, with its strong symbolic connections to the ideals of liberty, strength, and independence, played a key role in defining the nation’s early identity. The 1840 coin, with its small date variety, adds a unique layer of complexity to the coin series, making it particularly valuable and interesting to collectors. As one of the later issues of the large cent before the Mint transitioned to smaller coins, the 1840 Large Cent holds a special place in the story of American currency.
In conclusion, the U.S. Large Cent 1840 Small Date Braided Hair AU is a significant coin in American numismatics. Its history, design, and condition make it an essential piece for collectors of early U.S. coinage. The coin’s symbolic portrayal of Lady Liberty, its copper composition, and its place in the broader context of U.S. coinage history make it a highly valued and sought-after piece. The 1840 Braided Hair Large Cent serves as a reminder of the early years of the U.S. Mint and the efforts to create a reliable and unified currency for the nation. In AU condition, the coin represents an excellent example of this important series, and its rarity in such a grade ensures its place in any serious collection of early American coins.