1852 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

The 1852 1C, BN (Braided Hair Large Cent) is a highly regarded coin in the numismatic community, representing an era when large cents were a prominent part of everyday commerce in the United States. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1852 large cent is known for its consistent design during the 1840-1857 Braided Hair series. This coin features the familiar Liberty head with braided hair, designed by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. From a minting perspective, the total mintage for the 1852 large cent was approximately 5,063,094, making it relatively common compared to other dates in its series; however, in high-grade conditions, it is notably scarce. The PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) assigns these coins the catalog number 1903 for easy identification and tracking. In terms of value, the 1852 1C typically garners moderate interest from collectors, with its worth heavily contingent upon the coin’s condition and the richness of the brown (BN) hue. Circulated examples are widely available, but those in mint state (particularly MS60 or higher) and possessing lustrous original surfaces can command significant premiums. For instance, a collector can expect to see values range from approximately $20-$50 for average circulated specimens, but sales have shown that MS65 graded pieces can reach several hundred dollars or more, with past auction prices reflecting sales over $1,000 for top-tier examples. Despite a robust initial mintage, the scarcity of pristine examples derives from the fact that many circulated heavily at the time, and copper’s propensity to wear and patina asserts its rarity in higher conditions. In recent sales observed on platforms like stacksbowers.com and ha.com, MS graded coins, especially those showcasing original color and minimal contact marks, frequently attract competitive bidding. The 1852 large cent holds importance not just historically for representing American numismatic artistry but also as a physical emblem of pre-Civil War commerce. Collectors value it for its classic appeal and the challenge it presents in obtaining fine examples. For those intrigued by the 1852 BN large cent, coinfacts.com offers extensive insights into strike variations, die states, and advanced provenance data, drawing a comprehensive picture for both seasoned numismatists and burgeoning enthusiasts.