1840-1857 Braided Hair (Series 5)
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Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1840-1857
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 23.0 mm
Weight: 84 grains
Edge: Plain
Business strike mintage: 544,510
Proof mintage: Fewer than 1,500, combined originals and restrikes
In 1840 a new half cent design, the Coronet or Braided Hair style, made its appearance. However, there was not a demand for new pieces in the channels of commerce, for the Treasury had vast stores of undistributed earlier coins upon which it could draw. Because of this, new half cents were not struck for circulation until 1849. Specimens of the 1840-1848 years were limited to Proofs made for coin collectors.
The obverse design depicts a trim head of Miss Liberty facing left, her hair in a bun tied with two beaded cords, and with the word LIBERTY on a diadem or coronet. Tresses hang downward to her neck. Surrounding the obverse border are 13 stars and the date.
The reverse design is somewhat similar to the style used on half cents of the 1809-183 era and consists of a continuous wreath tied with a ribbon below, enclosing HALF CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border, although the details are slightly different from those used earlier.
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