Braided Hair Cent

1840-1857

Specimens Now Available on eBay

The Braided Hair Cent evolved from the earlier Coronet or Matron Head Cent of Robert Scot. It was yet another attempt to produce a design acceptable to the Mint’s many critics.

The preceding Scot designed coin had raised the ire of artistically sensitive (or perhaps, politically motivated) observers. Modern commentators have echoed these sentiments. Scot’s successor, William Kneass, is believed to have initiated revisions to the matronly Liberty image which led to this more youthful 1840 design of Christian Gobrecht.

Artistic opinions aside, the new Braided Hair coins are evidence of improvement in the technology at the US Mint. With the introduction of steam power in 1836, striking pressure was so increased as to allow more elements to be combined on the master hub.

Instead of adding each detail with a separate device or letter punch, everything except the date could be impressed from the master onto each “working” or production die. This led to greater consistency and fewer of the die varieties so loved by collectors and disdained by mint managers.

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