1850 1C, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1850 1C, BN (Braided Hair Large Cent) is a significant piece in the realm of American numismatics, representing a period just prior to the U.S. Mint’s transition to smaller cents. This coin carries historical importance and is a popular collectible due to its unique design and the era it represents.
Mint and Mintage
The 1850 Large Cent was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the only U.S. Mint in operation at the time for this particular denomination. The total mintage for the 1850 Braided Hair Large Cent was 4,426,844. Despite this relatively high mintage number for the period, its survival in certain conditions is rare, elevating its status among collectors.
Design and Features
The Braided Hair design, created by Christian Gobrecht, features Liberty with her hair tightly braided, a mark of elegance and sophistication reflective of mid-19th century American culture. The reverse features a simple yet striking wreath encircling the denomination "ONE CENT".
Rarity and Historical Context
From a rarity standpoint, the 1850 Large Cent is valued differently based on its condition, especially noting its Brown (BN) finish. Higher-grade examples (those in Mint State condition) are particularly scarce due to the heavy circulation these coins experienced. Circulation left many examples with significant wear, making uncirculated or high-grade examples highly sought after. The coin's history is deeply linked with the economic and technological advances of its time. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, so did minting technology, leading eventually to the 1857 transition to smaller cents. This coin type marks the end of an era before the nation's shift to cost-efficient and lighter coinage.
Pricing and Market Value
Pricing for the 1850 Braided Hair Large Cent varies widely depending on its condition. In lower circulated grades, these coins can reach a few hundred dollars, but prices exponentially increase for coins in Mint State condition. For example, recent sales at prominent auction houses such as Stacks Bowers and Heritage have seen PCGS-graded examples in MS65 condition fetching between $9,000 and $12,000. These sales highlight the premium placed on high-grade specimens.
Numismatics Insight
From a numismatist’s perspective, the 1850 Braided Hair Large Cent offers a fascinating glimpse into the transitional period of U.S. coinage. Collectors appreciate these coins not only for their aesthetic design but also for the historical narrative they encapsulate. The shift from large cents to smaller coins marks an evolution in American numismatic practices and the adaptation to changing economic demands.
PCGS Coin Facts and Details
PCGS Number : 1889
Composition : Copper
Diameter : 27 mm
Weight : Approximately 10.89 grams
Edge : Plain
Conclusion
In summary, the 1850 1C BN stands as a significant coin both for its design and the historical context it represents. Its varying availability across conditions makes it an intriguing specimen for collectors aiming to capture a piece of pre-Civil War American history, while avid numismatists appreciate it for its transitional significance in U.S. coinage history.
