Price Guide for 1840 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1840 Cent variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1840 Penny Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2.00 - $1,150.00
    Uncirculated: $180.00 - $8,812.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $34.99 - $550.00
    Uncirculated: $202.55 - $2,977.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 - $775.00
    Uncirculated: $850.00 - $12,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $29.08 - $1,553.00
    Uncirculated: $219.00 - $8,625.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $19.69 - $767.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $22.00 - $950.00
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $8,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $75.00 - $1,725.00
    Uncirculated: $460.00 - $16,100.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $56.55 - $521.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $37.00 - $2,500.00
    Uncirculated: $2,750.00 - $22,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-8 Large Date, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $13,200.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-2 Small/Large 18, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,230.00 - $8,338.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,750.00 - $23,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Large Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $127.00 - $2,530.00
    Uncirculated: $850.00 - $11,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $13,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Large Date, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,830.00 - $38,187.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4,000.00 - $45,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1,265.00 - $19,550.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $524.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $20,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small Date, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $230.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,300.00 - $24,150.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3,600.00 - $30,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $144.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-3 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $211.20 - $780.00
    Uncirculated: $720.00 - $7,050.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $271.20
    Uncirculated: $4,375.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $950.00
    Uncirculated: $1,050.00 - $8,750.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-3 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,100.00 - $9,025.20
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2,750.00 - $18,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-1 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $180.00 - $432.00
    Uncirculated: $630.00 - $3,840.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $45.00 - $975.00
    Uncirculated: $1,050.00 - $2,750.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-1 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $14,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $21,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-2 Small/Large 18, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $306.00 - $2,040.00
    Uncirculated: $5,875.00 - $9,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $77.00 - $665.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $68.00 - $2,600.00
    Uncirculated: $2,850.00 - $20,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-2 Small/Large 18, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $14,688.00 - $18,800.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3,700.00 - $25,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-4 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $150.00 - $900.00
    Uncirculated: $630.00 - $4,112.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $16.66 - $749.99
More Detail

1840 Penny N-12 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $105.00 - $1,057.50
    Uncirculated: $552.00 - $4,113.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $35.59 - $675.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $44.00 - $1,100.00
    Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $4,250.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-5 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $104.00 - $399.50
    Uncirculated: $528.00 - $2,640.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $25.38
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $800.00
    Uncirculated: $875.00 - $6,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-5 Large Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,360.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-6 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $132.00 - $633.00
    Uncirculated: $176.00 - $7,637.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $575.00 - $2,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $30.00 - $800.00
    Uncirculated: $875.00 - $9,650.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-6 Large Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,820.00 - $13,512.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,150.00 - $15,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-6 Large Date, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,415.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-7 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $95.00 - $949.00
    Uncirculated: $1,783.00 - $4,112.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $172.50 - $285.00
    Uncirculated: $1,602.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-8 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $180.00 - $840.00
    Uncirculated: $600.00 - $8,812.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $45.00 - $746.72
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $800.00
    Uncirculated: $875.00 - $11,000.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-8 Large Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $5,520.00 - $8,225.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,150.00 - $6,750.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-9 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $132.00 - $805.00
    Uncirculated: $825.00 - $3,840.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $89.99 - $130.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $32.00 - $800.00
    Uncirculated: $875.00 - $6,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-10 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $35.00 - $1,380.00
    Uncirculated: $1,560.00 - $7,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $75.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $35.00 - $800.00
    Uncirculated: $875.00 - $11,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny N-10 Large Date, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,025.00 - $7,800.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $6,750.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $259.00 - $18,213.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,500.00 - $22,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $414.00 - $4,400.00
    Uncirculated: $5,060.00 - $21,737.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $11,000.00 - $27,500.00
More Detail

1840 Penny Small/Large 18, RD (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $207.00 - $575.00
More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1840 Cent

The 1840 Cent, also known as the Braided Hair Large Cent, marks an important transition in American coinage. Christian Gobrecht's redesign of the cent, introduced in 1839, became fully implemented in 1840. This design would continue until the end of the large cent era in 1857.

The Braided Hair design represented a more refined and mature portrayal of Liberty, moving away from the classical style of earlier cents. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1837, reflecting the nation's gradual return to stability.

Weight 10.89 grams
Diameter 27.5 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia only)
Composition 100% Copper
Obverse Design Liberty Head (Braided Hair), designed by Christian Gobrecht
Reverse Design Wreath of laurel leaves enclosing 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition is crucial for the 1840 Cent's value. High-grade specimens are particularly desirable due to the coin's age and the scarcity of well-preserved examples. Uncirculated examples with original red color are extremely rare and command significant premiums.

The quality of the strike can vary, with some coins showing weakness in certain areas. Coins with full, sharp details are more valuable. Environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, can significantly reduce value, as copper is prone to such issues.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 2,462,700

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: Small Date and Large Date varieties

Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens

Date size varieties (Small Date and Large Date) can affect value, with the Small Date generally being scarcer. Die states and errors, while not common, can add interest and value for specialists.

The presence of original mint luster and attractive, natural toning can significantly enhance desirability among collectors. Coins with prooflike surfaces, though rare, are highly prized.

As a type coin representative of the Braided Hair design, the 1840 Cent holds additional appeal for collectors assembling type sets of early American coinage.

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Chris Yang is the Co-Founder of Coins-Value, a leading platform for antique and modern U.S. coin valuation. With a deep passion for numismatics and extensive expertise in personal finance, Chris leverages advanced AI technology to provide accurate coin valuations and financial guidance. His commitment to helping collectors and individuals navigate the world of finance has made Coins-Value a trusted resource in the industry.

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