1846 Braided Hair Large Cent – Small Date Variety, Early U.S. Copper with Rich Patina

Mintage:
3,894,804 (combined total for all 1846 varieties)

Notable Facts:

• The Small Date variety of the 1846 large cent features more compact numerals in the date and is distinguishable from the Tall Date and Medium Date counterparts—making it a desirable target for large cent variety collectors.

• 1846 marks the midpoint of the Braided Hair series, which ran from 1839 to 1857 and reflected Christian Gobrecht's refined Liberty design.

Description:
This 1846 Braided Hair Large Cent is the Small Date variety, one of several die types issued that year by the Philadelphia Mint. It showcases Christian Gobrecht’s Liberty portrait with finely braided hair and coronet, a hallmark of mid-19th century copper coinage. With a combined mintage nearing 3.9 million across all varieties, this issue circulated widely during a decade marked by westward expansion and industrial growth. The coin offered here is raw and uncertified, displaying an attractive, even brown patina and good eye appeal. It comes from a private collection and is documented with high-resolution photography, allowing collectors to inspect the date style and surface condition in detail.