How Much Is A Large Cent (1793–1857) Worth?
Values for the large cent run from about $15–$25 (Braided Hair (1839–1857), Good) to $10,000+ (1793 Chain cent, Good). Here is what separates the bottom of that range from the top — and how to find out where your coin lands.
History of the Large Cent (1793–1857)
The large cent was among the very first coins struck by the United States Mint, beginning with the Chain cent of 1793. Nearly the size of a modern half dollar and made of pure copper, it passed through several designs — Chain, Wreath, Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head and finally the long-running Coronet and Braided Hair types.
Values span an enormous range. A worn 1850s Braided Hair cent is a $20 coin, while the 1793 Chain cent — America’s first circulating coin — brings five figures even heavily worn. Early dates are collected by die variety, a specialty with its own literature and passionate following.
The large cent was struck from 1793 to 1857 in pure copper. Each coin weighs 10.89 grams (later issues) and measures about 28–29 mm across. Production took place at Philadelphia.
How much is a large cent worth?
Like every collectible coin, the value of a large cent comes down to grade, rarity and demand. The ranges below are approximate retail prices collectors pay for problem-free examples — coins that have been cleaned, scratched or holed usually trade well below these figures.
Printed price guides age quickly. The most honest benchmark is what comparable coins actually sold for. AI Coin Collector gives you a starting point: the Numista catalogue price per grade, from VG to UNC, whenever it identifies a coin.
- Braided Hair (1839–1857), Good: $15–$25
- Braided Hair, XF: $80–$150
- Draped Bust (1796–1807), Good: $60–$150
- 1793 Chain cent, Good: $10,000+
How to identify a genuine Large Cent (1793–1857)
Before you get excited about a potential find, confirm that the coin in your hand matches the genuine article. Work through this checklist:
When a coin fails any of these checks, treat it with suspicion. Modern counterfeits can be convincing at arm's length, but weight, dimensions and die details rarely lie.
- Check the date and type first — value differences between types are enormous.
- Corrosion and porosity are the norm for early dates; smooth brown surfaces command big premiums.
- Counterfeits of 1799 and 1804 (the key dates) are common; weight should be near 10.89 grams for later issues.
- Never clean a large cent — original surfaces matter more than shine.
Check your large cent with AI Coin Collector
The fastest way to find out what you have is to photograph the coin with AI Coin Collector. Our own AI vision model suggests what it is (you check and adjust the suggestion), the app estimates a grade on the Sheldon 1–70 scale, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.
From there you can add the coin to a collection, see the collection’s total value and export it to CSV. The app is free to start and comes to Android first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a large cent worth?
Broadly, examples at the bottom of the market (Braided Hair (1839–1857), Good) trade around $15–$25, while the strongest pieces (1793 Chain cent, Good) bring $10,000+. Grade, rarity and eye appeal decide where a specific coin lands, and problem-free coins always bring the best prices.
How can I tell if my large cent is genuine?
Start with the physical basics: check the date and type first — value differences between types are enormous. Counterfeits usually fail on weight, dimensions or fine die details, so compare your coin against verified reference photos before paying a premium.
Can an app identify and value my large cent?
Yes. AI Coin Collector suggests an identification from a single photo using our own AI vision model — you check and adjust it — estimates a Sheldon grade from 1 to 70, and shows the Numista catalogue price per grade.