US Large Cent 1846 Braided Hair Small Date Good

The 1846 Braided Hair Small Date Large Cent is an appealing and collectible variety within the long-running large cent series. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Braided Hair type was first introduced in 1839 and became the standard design until the large cent denomination was discontinued in 1857. By the mid-1840s, large cent production was well established at the Philadelphia Mint, and the coins served as indispensable instruments of commerce in a nation expanding rapidly westward. The 1846 issue is particularly interesting to collectors because it exists with two different date sizes—Small Date and Large Date. The Small Date is the scarcer of the two, making it a desirable challenge for variety specialists and an essential piece for anyone seeking to complete a full date-and-variety set of the Braided Hair cents. Even in a heavily worn Good condition, the coin retains historical significance and collector appeal.

The obverse of the coin depicts Liberty facing left, her hair tied into a bun at the back with braids flowing neatly, a coronet resting on her head with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed across it. Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars symbolizing the original colonies, while the date “1846” appears at the bottom. On the Small Date variety, the numerals are shorter and more compact compared to the Large Date, giving the year a visibly tighter appearance. This difference is most noticeable in the “4” and “6,” which are slimmer and positioned closer to the center of the coin. The reverse follows the familiar Braided Hair cent design, with a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” while the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs around the rim. The design is bold and utilitarian, ensuring clarity for the denomination in daily transactions.

The 1846 Large Cents were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as no branch mints produced copper coinage at that time. Each coin was composed of nearly pure copper, with a weight of about 10.89 grams and a diameter of 28–29 millimeters. These coins were struck using screw presses, with dies prepared by hand. The Small Date variety likely resulted from the use of differently styled date punches, a common occurrence in the 19th century when engraving was less standardized than in later years. Differences such as numeral size, spacing, and alignment were not intentional varieties but rather byproducts of handcrafting, yet today they have become significant identifiers valued by collectors.

The total reported mintage for 1846 large cents was 2,780,000 pieces, though this number includes both Small Date and Large Date varieties. Because no separate records were kept, the exact number of Small Date cents struck remains unknown. Numismatic evidence suggests that the Large Date is more common, while the Small Date is scarcer and therefore more sought after. As a result, the Small Date variety carries a modest premium over the Large Date in most grades, including low-grade circulated examples. For collectors building complete sets, the challenge of acquiring the scarcer Small Date makes it a rewarding pursuit.

In Good condition, the 1846 Small Date cent exhibits heavy wear consistent with decades of circulation. On the obverse, Liberty’s portrait is worn nearly smooth, leaving only an outline of her face and hair. The coronet is faint, and the word “LIBERTY” is generally illegible or barely visible. The stars surrounding Liberty are weak and often blend into the rim, though faint traces may remain. The date “1846” is still legible, but the smaller numerals may appear faint and close together, sometimes merging slightly with the surrounding surface. On the reverse, the wreath is heavily flattened, with most leaf detail erased by wear. The inscription “ONE CENT” is usually visible, though faint, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim is still present but often weak or incomplete in spots. Despite the wear, the coin remains identifiable as the Small Date variety and retains its historical charm.

The historical context of the 1846 cent adds depth to its appeal. In that year, James K. Polk was President of the United States, and the nation was deeply engaged in the Mexican-American War, a conflict that would expand U.S. territory dramatically. Domestically, commerce and industry were growing, and large cents played a central role in the economy, used widely for everyday purchases. The large copper cents were familiar to every American, from farmers and shopkeepers to laborers and merchants. The heavy wear seen on most surviving examples, including this Good condition coin, reflects their decades-long service in circulation before the large cent series was discontinued in favor of the smaller Flying Eagle cent in 1857.

From a collector’s perspective, the 1846 Small Date variety is especially valuable. Specialists in large cents often pursue varieties cataloged under the Newcomb numbering system, which identifies individual die marriages and varieties. The Small Date falls into this system and is considered an important subtype. Its relative scarcity compared to the Large Date ensures continued interest, and collectors working toward full date-and-variety runs view it as a necessary acquisition. Even for type collectors, the 1846 Small Date provides an interesting twist on a standard date, representing the kinds of subtle die differences that make large cent collecting both challenging and rewarding.

Because most 1846 cents circulated heavily, higher-grade survivors of the Small Date variety are uncommon and command significant premiums. Good condition pieces like this one, while heavily worn, are far more affordable and accessible, allowing a broader range of collectors to enjoy owning this scarcer issue. Their appeal lies not in sharp details but in the history they carry—witnesses to decades of use in mid-19th century America. The coin’s dark copper patina, natural wear, and survival despite attrition all contribute to its desirability.

The 1846 Small Date variety also underscores the Mint’s reliance on hand craftsmanship at the time. Variations in date size and spacing were unintentional products of human labor, but they have become major points of interest for modern collectors. The existence of such varieties highlights the individuality of 19th-century coinage, when no two dies were exactly alike. This human element gives the 1846 Small Date cent added character, making it more than just a coin—it is a product of its time, embodying both the artistry and imperfections of early U.S. minting.

In conclusion, the 1846 Braided Hair Small Date Large Cent in Good condition is a coin of genuine numismatic and historical significance. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a pivotal period in U.S. history, it represents the scarcer of the two date styles for that year. Though heavily worn, its date remains legible, and its rarity as a variety ensures strong collector interest. For early copper enthusiasts, it is an important addition to a variety set, while for general collectors, it offers an affordable yet meaningful glimpse into America’s 19th-century coinage. The coin’s survival after decades of circulation makes it a true artifact of daily life in the mid-1800s, treasured as both a collectible and a piece of U.S. history.