1840 1C Small/Large 18, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1840 1 Cent Small/Large 18, BN (Regular Strike) is an intriguing piece from a numismatist's point of view. This coin, part of the Braided Hair Large Cents, holds a unique place in American numismatic history, offering insights into the era's minting practices and cultural transitions. Minting of the 1840 Large Cent occurred at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the sole producer of U.S. coins at the time.
The shift from the Large Date variety to the Small Date reflects technological and design adjustments in the minting process. A key feature of the 1840 cent is the presence of both Small and Large Date numerals. Collectors find this intriguing as it marks a transitional period in die-making techniques. The mintage for the 1840 Large Cent was approximately 2,462,700, although specifics on how many were Large Date versus Small Date are not precisely documented. However, the differentiation makes some specimens rarer and more appealing to collectors.
The PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) recognizes the 1840 1C Small/Large 18, BN, under the PCGS #1826, which acknowledges its distinct place in the large cent series. From a rarity perspective, finding examples in higher grades, particularly those that are well-preserved Brown (BN), adds to the coin’s desirability. Lower-grade coins are relatively common in numismatic circles, but those that have retained their detail and condition transact at a premium in auctions, reflecting their scarcity and collector demand. Historically, the 1840 Large Cent is part of a larger numismatic narrative reflecting early American coinage's rustic charm and technical evolution. The engraver responsible for the design, Christian Gobrecht, was instrumental in transitioning the cent's aesthetic to what we now recognize as the Braided Hair design, which continued until 1857. In recent sales, prices for this coin vary significantly with condition. For instance, specimens graded in lower circulated conditions may sell for around $50-$100.
However, coins in higher grades, such as XF (Extremely Fine) and MS (Mint State), can command prices from several hundred to several thousand dollars, respectively. Such examples recently auctioned have received strong bidding attention, indicating continued collector interest. From a valuation standpoint, coins listed in the XF range typically fetch between $150 and $300, while those in MS condition can see prices exceeding $1,000, depending on the auction venue and collector demand. The 1840 Large Cent’s allure is enhanced by its historical context and the narrative it provides about the early United States' transition in minting technology and coin design. Collectors value coins like these for their combination of tangible history and the story they tell about 19th-century America, making them a prized addition to any collection.
