Numismatic

1847 Large Cent Good

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In 1847, the United States Mint in Philadelphia produced a copper one-cent piece that represents a fascinating era of early American currency. This substantial copper coin belongs to the Braided Hair series, a design sequence that spanned the years from 1839 to 1857. Created by Christian Gobrecht, the coin showcases a distinct aesthetic that defined the nation's everyday pocket change in the decade leading up to the Civil War. The obverse features a left-facing profile of Liberty, her hair styled in a neat braid secured by a coronet. This central effigy is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, with the year 1847 anchored at the bottom. Despite its circulated Good condition, the essential elements of this classic portrait remain identifiable, offering a tangible connection to the mid-nineteenth century. On the reverse, the denomination 'ONE CENT' is positioned at the center, enclosed by a continuous laurel wreath. Surrounding this wreath is the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The simple, bold lettering and botanical imagery reflect the utilitarian yet artistic approach to early United States coinage, where copper was the workhorse of daily commerce.