How to Identify the Braided Hair Half Cent
A guide to the Braided Hair half cent (1840-1857), the final U.S. half cent design, covering its coronet portrait, simplified reverse lettering, and proof-only dates to be aware of.
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What It Is
The Braided Hair half cent, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was the final design used for the U.S. half cent denomination, struck from 1840 to 1857 before the denomination was discontinued entirely as its purchasing power became increasingly marginal.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces left with her hair pulled back and braided into a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars surround the portrait, with the date placed below near the rim.
Reverse Design
A wreath surrounds the denomination, now written simply as "HALF CENT" without the earlier "1/200" fraction, which was dropped by this point in the series, along with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arranged around the border.
Size, Weight, and Metal
Struck in pure copper, weighing about 5.44 grams (84 grains), measuring roughly 23 mm across, with a plain edge.
Mint Marks
None; all were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as with every half cent ever issued.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Compare it to the earlier Classic Head half cent (1809-1836), which shows a plain fillet or headband rather than braided hair pulled into a coronet. Note also that several dates in the 1840s, along with the 1852 issue, were struck only in small proof quantities intended for collectors rather than for general circulation; specific reverse die details, particularly small variations in the wreath, help specialists distinguish these "originals" from later "restrikes" produced afterward.
Judging Condition
Grade by the sharpness of the braided hair detail and the legibility of the coronet lettering, along with how crisp the wreath and "HALF CENT" lettering remain on the reverse. Because overall mintages for this type were relatively modest compared to contemporary large cents, well-struck, lightly worn examples of the more common dates are not unusual to find.
Authenticity Red Flags
Because the proof-only dates carry substantially more collector interest, watch for circulated coins with digits that have been altered to resemble one of those proof-only dates, and for cast or otherwise crudely struck counterfeits showing soft, mushy design details compared to the sharp, well-defined relief typical of genuine Mint products from this period.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last year the half cent was made?
1857, the final year of the Braided Hair type and the denomination overall.
How does this type differ from the Classic Head half cent?
Liberty's hair is braided into a coronet rather than held by a plain fillet band.
Are all Braided Hair half cent dates common?
No, several dates in the 1840s and in 1852 were struck only as proofs for collectors, not for circulation.
What does the reverse say?
'HALF CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' within a wreath; the earlier fraction denomination was dropped by this type.