Numismatic

1848 Large Cent XF

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced large, substantial copper cents that look and feel vastly different from the pennies in circulation today. This 1848 specimen belongs to the Braided Hair design series, which was minted from 1839 to 1857. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin has survived in Extra Fine condition, preserving the bold details of its historic engraving. The obverse features a classic left-facing profile of Liberty, her hair elegantly bound in braids and secured with a tiara. This central portrait is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, with the year 1848 anchored at the bottom. The design is the work of Christian Gobrecht, whose artistry defined this era of American copper coinage. On the reverse, the coin displays its denomination, "ONE CENT", positioned at the center. This text is framed by a delicate, continuous wreath, which is in turn surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". The clean, symmetrical layout of the reverse highlights the balance and craftsmanship of mid-1800s coin production.