1837 1C Beaded Cords, BN
The 1837 1C Beaded Cords, BN (Braided Hair Large Cent), is a noteworthy numismatic piece originating from the United States Mint. Its rarity and desirability among collectors stem from its unique design and historical significance. This coin is part of a broader category of early American copper coins that capture a fascinating era of U.S. minting history.
Minted in Philadelphia, the 1837 Large Cent doesn't possess a mint mark, as was customary for coins produced in Philly at the time. These coins are ingrained in American history, marking the end of the "Hard Times" token period—an era characterized by economic difficulty where merchants produced their tokens due to a scarcity of official currency. The Beaded Cords variety is notable for its obverse design, which features Miss Liberty adorned with distinctive beaded cords in her hair, distinguishing it from other contemporary designs.
The mintage of the 1837 1C Beaded Cords is estimated to be about 5,558,300. Despite this seemingly large mintage for the period, its survival rate in desirable conditions is quite low, making well-preserved specimens rare and sought after.
Collectors particularly seek out examples with Brown (BN) designation, as these coins showcase a natural patina that collectors find appealing. Coins of higher grades, like those certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), often receive the most attention and can achieve significant prices at auction. The PCGS # is 1729, utilized for cataloging and tracking purposes in numismatic circles.
Recent sales data underscore the coin's value. High-grade specimens (MS-65 BN, for instance) can escalate into thousands of dollars at auctions. For example, auction records reveal that an MS-65 BN piece can surpass $10,000, reflecting its scarcity and collector appeal. Slightly lower-grade examples, such as AU-55, still hold significant value, often selling in the range of several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on market demand and the coin's aesthetic qualities.
The history of this coin is enriched by its context; 1837 was an interesting year in numismatics, marking the transition toward more modern minting practices. The Beaded Cords variation is particularly noted for its detailed craftsmanship and represents a bridge between the earlier, more simplistic designs and later, more sophisticated minting techniques.
As coin collecting continues to enjoy popularity, particularly in American numismatics, the 1837 1C Beaded Cords, BN stands as a prized artifact. Its historical context, rarity in high-grade, and aesthetic qualities continue to captivate collectors and historians alike, making it a staple among U.S. large cent collections.
