-
Inventory:
4 In Stock
- Product ID: 14515
Checkout
The 1843 U.S. Large Cent featuring the Braided Hair design with the Petite Head and Small Letters variety is a key piece in early American coinage. Produced during a period of growth for the United States, the coin reflects the Mint’s ongoing efforts to standardize U.S. coinage and provide the public with reliable currency. The Braided Hair series, minted from 1839 to 1857, is part of the late large copper cent production before the country shifted to smaller coins due to rising metal costs. The 1843 issue is part of a group of coins that marks the transition within the Braided Hair series, specifically with its Petite Head variety. This variety, distinguished by a smaller portrait of Liberty and smaller lettering, adds to its appeal and desirability for collectors. Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1843 coin’s widespread use in commerce and copper composition means that high-quality examples are scarce today, making it a sought-after item in the numismatic world.
The design of the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent was created by Christian Gobrecht, the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty facing left, with her hair intricately braided and flowing, a cap inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” positioned atop her head. Surrounding Liberty’s portrait are 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies of the United States. The 1843 issue is part of the Petite Head variety, which features a smaller depiction of Liberty compared to earlier versions of the coin. Additionally, the lettering surrounding the bust is smaller, further differentiating the 1843 coin from others in the series. Below Liberty’s portrait, the date “1843” is inscribed. The reverse of the coin features a wreath of laurel and oak leaves, which encloses the words “ONE CENT,” surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The wreath symbolizes unity, victory, and strength, reflective of the growing nation during this period. The simplicity of the design, combined with its symbolic elements, made the Braided Hair series an enduring image in U.S. coinage.
The 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent was struck at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, the country’s only minting facility at the time. The Mint, established in 1792, was responsible for producing all the nation’s coinage, and by 1843, it had become proficient in striking coins for a rapidly expanding economy. The 1843 coin, like all coins in the Braided Hair series, was struck in copper, a material chosen for its relative affordability and availability. Copper was ideal for large-denomination coins like the Large Cent, which were needed to facilitate everyday transactions. The U.S. Mint’s use of copper allowed for the production of substantial quantities of coins, as it was both inexpensive and durable. However, copper’s softness meant that coins produced from it were highly susceptible to wear, especially after long periods of circulation. This wear, combined with the coin’s large size, means that many surviving examples of the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent show significant signs of damage and are difficult to find in high-grade condition.
The mintage of the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent is estimated at around 9.4 million coins, which was a relatively high production figure for the time. The large mintage ensured that the coin was widely circulated across the United States, playing a role in facilitating everyday commerce. The 1843 coin was essential for providing a low-denomination currency during a period of rapid growth and territorial expansion. However, despite its substantial mintage, the coin’s copper composition and extensive circulation meant that many of the 1843 coins became worn and damaged over time. The use of copper, while cost-effective, made the coin more vulnerable to scratches, corrosion, and general wear from circulation. As a result, many surviving examples are heavily worn, and only a small percentage of the original mintage remains in good condition. Coins that are better preserved, especially those in higher grades, are considered rare and are highly prized by collectors.
The condition of the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent is a critical factor in determining its market value. Coins from this period, particularly those made from copper, were often subjected to significant wear due to heavy circulation. A coin graded as Very Good (VG) typically shows moderate wear, with most of the design elements still visible but softened or worn down. In the case of the 1843 coin, this means that Liberty’s portrait is still recognizable, but the finer details, such as her hair and the stars surrounding her, may be faded or worn away. The date “1843” may be partially visible, but some of the lettering may have been worn off due to circulation. The reverse wreath and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” may show signs of wear, but enough detail should remain to allow for identification. Coins in Very Good condition are still desirable, particularly for key dates like the 1843, which holds significance within the Braided Hair series. Higher-grade examples, such as Fine (F) or Very Fine (VF), are much rarer and command higher prices due to their better preservation, with clearer details and fewer signs of wear.
The 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent was minted during a period of political and economic growth in the United States. The country had recently emerged from the War of 1812 and was enjoying a period of peace and stability. The 1830s and 1840s were marked by significant territorial expansion, with the U.S. continuing to settle new lands in the west. The coin was produced in a time of economic growth, as the rise of industry and improvements in transportation helped propel the country toward becoming a more modern and powerful nation. However, the 1840s were also a time of political challenges, especially with the growing tensions over issues such as slavery and states' rights. These tensions would eventually lead to the Civil War, but during the time the 1843 coin was struck, the United States was still relatively unified and expanding. The Braided Hair design, with its symbols of unity and strength, is representative of the values that shaped the nation during this important period in American history.
For investors, the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent offers a unique opportunity to own a historically significant piece of early U.S. coinage. While the intrinsic value of copper is relatively low, the historical significance and rarity of the 1843 coin make it highly desirable. Due to the widespread circulation of the coin and its copper composition, well-preserved examples are rare. Higher-grade coins, especially those that retain clear features and show less wear, are sought after by collectors and investors alike. As time passes, the number of high-quality examples of the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent will continue to decline, making well-preserved coins even more valuable. For those looking to diversify their portfolios with rare and historically important items, the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent represents an excellent investment opportunity, given its place in the history of U.S. coinage and its scarcity in higher grades.
Collectors of early U.S. coinage will find the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent to be a crucial piece for their collections. The Braided Hair series, which ran from 1839 to 1857, is one of the most iconic and widely collected series in American numismatics. The 1843 coin, especially with the Petite Head and Small Letters variety, is an important issue within this series, representing a distinct variety of the Braided Hair design. For collectors specializing in copper coins, large cents, or specific varieties within the Braided Hair series, the 1843 coin is an essential addition to their collection. The coin’s design, with its depiction of Liberty and the reverse wreath symbolizing unity, is both elegant and meaningful, making it a prized collectible for those interested in early U.S. coinage. Its role in the development of U.S. currency ensures that it remains a highly collectible and valuable piece for numismatists.
In conclusion, the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent is an important piece of U.S. numismatic history. The coin’s design, which features Liberty’s portrait and the reverse wreath symbolizing unity, reflects the ideals of the United States during a time of economic growth, political transition, and territorial expansion. The 1843 coin is significant as part of the Braided Hair series, which marked the final years of the large copper cents before the Mint transitioned to smaller coins. Despite its relatively high mintage, the coin’s copper composition and widespread circulation mean that well-preserved examples are rare and highly sought after. Whether for its historical importance, its design, or its rarity, the 1843 Braided Hair Large Cent remains a prized item for both collectors and investors interested in early U.S. coinage and the development of the nation’s financial system.
