Numismatic

1847 Large Cent VG

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In the middle of the nineteenth century, daily commerce in the United States relied on copper coins of a much larger scale than the pennies used today. The 1847 Large Cent represents this era beautifully, belonging to the Braided Hair series which ran from 1839 to 1857. Minted in Philadelphia, this substantial copper piece carries a sense of the everyday transactions of pre-Civil War America. The obverse features a profile of Liberty, her hair styled in a neat braid secured by a coronet. This depiction, created by Christian Gobrecht, is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the year 1847 stamped below the portrait. On the reverse, the coin features the denomination "ONE CENT" placed squarely in the center. This value is encircled by a detailed wreath, which is in turn surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". This example is preserved in Very Good condition, showcasing the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated through early American hands.