1839 1C Booby Head, BN
The 1839 1C "Booby Head" cent is a noteworthy piece of U.S. numismatic history. Part of the Braided Hair Large Cent series, the Booby Head variant is characterized by a distinct styling error in Liberty's hair on the obverse side, resembling a braid or "booby." This nickname has become widely acknowledged among collectors and enhances the appeal of this piece.
Mint and Mintage:
Minted in Philadelphia, the 1839 Booby Head cent is one of the scarcer variants of large cents, each offering a unique allure due to its error nature. This particular cent boasts a total mintage of 3,128,661, which includes all varieties for the year.
Numismatic Rarity:
From a rarity standpoint, the Booby Head version is less common than the standard 1839 large cent. Its rarity is enhanced by the limited number of pieces surviving in high-grade conditions. While numerous examples exist in circulated grades, uncirculated specimens are particularly rare and thus highly sought after by serious collectors.
Values and Sales:
The value of the 1839 Booby Head cent varies significantly depending on its grade, with documented sales ranging widely. Coins in Good to Fine condition can fetch between $40 to $100, while those in Very Fine to Extremely Fine conditions can command higher prices, often between $200 and $500. Mint State examples can be particularly valuable, with prices that could reach into the thousands, depending on the specifics of the sale and demand at auction. For instance, coins in pristine condition or those with significant historical provenance have sold at auctions for several thousand dollars. In a recent auction, a high-grade specimen reached a sale price of approximately $4,000, showcasing the substantial interest and fierce bidding competition for this particular cent variety.
Historical Significance:
From a numismatist perspective, the 1839 Booby Head cent holds a unique position due to its error and the transition it represents within the Braided Hair series. This cent is particularly significant because it reflects the technological and production challenges of the era, offering insights into the mid-19th century minting practices.
PCGS Certification:
According to PCGS CoinFacts, which is a trusted source for authentication and grading information, the PCGS # is 1751 for the 1839 Booby Head cent. This certification is crucial for collectors as it provides validation and assurance of the coin’s authenticity and grade. Collectors prize the 1839 Booby Head cent not only for its uniqueness and historic error but also for its connection to the broader story of U.S. coin production during a time of significant economic and technological evolution. Its charm lies in the blend of rarity, historical significance, and numismatic intrigue, making it a prized acquisition for any collection of early American coinage.
