Price Guide for 1846 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
1846 Penny Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $3.15 – $14,687.50
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $1,950.00Uncirculated: $139.00 – $799.97
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $26.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $14,500.00
1846 Penny Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $2,875.00Uncirculated: $403.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.07 – $656.25Uncirculated: $640.68
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $30,000.00
1846 Penny Medium Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $144.00 – $1,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.49 – $295.00Uncirculated: $1,555.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $535.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $11,500.00
1846 Penny, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10,350.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.55 – $172.50Uncirculated: $275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,000.00 – $38,500.00
1846 Penny Tall Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $32,500.00
1846 Penny Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,600.00Uncirculated: $374.00 – $9,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $725.00 – $12,500.00
1846 Penny Small Date, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,588.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00
1846 Penny Medium Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $690.00 – $5,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,150.00 – $11,000.00
1846 Penny Tall Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,265.00 – $12,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $9,500.00
1846 Penny N-1 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $141.00 – $949.00Uncirculated: $312.00 – $3,335.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,300.00
1846 Penny N-1 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,040.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $5,000.00
1846 Penny N-2 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $50.00 – $517.00Uncirculated: $587.50 – $2,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.60 – $405.00Uncirculated: $625.00 – $975.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,300.00
1846 Penny N-2 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00 – $3,290.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $5,000.00
1846 Penny N-3 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $633.00Uncirculated: $336.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $162.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $44.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $14,850.00
1846 Penny N-3 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $5,160.00
1846 Penny N-4 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $529.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.04 – $73.00
1846 Penny N-5 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $949.00Uncirculated: $446.50 – $5,520.00
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eBayCirculated: $90.03 – $112.87
1846 Penny N-5 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,800.00 – $8,813.00
1846 Penny N-6 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $276.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $18.50 – $50.00Uncirculated: $395.00 – $615.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $34.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,100.00
1846 Penny N-6 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $5,000.00
1846 Penny N-7 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $437.00Uncirculated: $240.00 – $1,762.50
1846 Penny N-7 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,407.50 – $3,877.50
1846 Penny N-8 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $95.00 – $949.00Uncirculated: $382.00 – $1,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $38.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,100.00
1846 Penny N-8 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $750.00 – $3,525.00
1846 Penny N-9 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00 – $288.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $2,232.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,100.00
1846 Penny N-9 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,056.25 – $2,233.00
1846 Penny N-10 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $265.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $1,620.00
1846 Penny N-15 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $193.88 – $1,610.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,100.00
1846 Penny N-17 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $423.00 – $3,055.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $575.00
1846 Penny N-17 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $4,700.00
1846 Penny N-18 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $98.00 – $447.00Uncirculated: $141.00 – $2,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $141.80 – $325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,300.00
1846 Penny N-18 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,057.50 – $6,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $3,250.00
1846 Penny N-19 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $414.00Uncirculated: $588.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $299.99 – $375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $520.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00
1846 Penny N-19 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $3,250.00
1846 Penny N-20 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $391.00Uncirculated: $348.00 – $1,668.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $2,050.00
1846 Penny N-20 Small Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00
1846 Penny N-21 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $170.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00
1846 Penny N-11 Medium Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $588.00Uncirculated: $616.88 – $4,994.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $108.35Uncirculated: $427.60
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $585.00Uncirculated: $625.00 – $6,150.00
1846 Penny N-11 Medium Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00Uncirculated: $4,080.00 – $12,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11,250.00
1846 Penny N-11 Medium Date, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $834.00 – $2,013.00
1846 Penny N-12 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $163.33 – $705.00Uncirculated: $822.50 – $3,565.00
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eBayCirculated: $46.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $5,150.00
1846 Penny N-12 Tall Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,938.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,750.00
1846 Penny N-13 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $660.00 – $5,520.00
1846 Penny N-13 Tall Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,955.00 – $7,637.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,750.00
1846 Penny N-14 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $705.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.63Uncirculated: $1,450.55
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $9,250.00
1846 Penny N-14 Tall Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,265.00Uncirculated: $2,300.00 – $3,105.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00
1846 Penny N-16 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $1,998.00
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eBayCirculated: $275.00
1846 Penny N-16 Tall Date, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,581.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00
1846 Penny N-23 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $2,990.00
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eBayCirculated: $157.50
1846 Penny N-25 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $67.00 – $2,645.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00 – $125.00
1846 Penny N-26 Tall Date, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 – $1,704.00Uncirculated: $4,230.00 – $6,210.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $2,150.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $5,500.00
1846 Penny Small Date, BN (Proof)
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eBayCirculated: $44.80
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $42,500.00
1846 Penny N-10 Small Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,987.50
1846 Penny N-1 Small Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,637.50 – $24,675.00
1846 Penny N-21 Small Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,100.00 – $20,125.00
1846 Penny N-22 Small Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $38,187.50
1846 Penny N-22 Small Date, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $22,425.00
1846 Penny N-24 Tall Date, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,150.00 – $26,450.00
1846 Penny N-24 Tall Date, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1846 Cent
The 1846 Cent, also known as the Braided Hair Large Cent, was part of the final design series for the large cent denomination. Christian Gobrecht’s design, introduced in 1839, continued the classical representation of Liberty on American coinage. This year’s mintage occurred during a period of economic stability, contributing to a substantial production run.
The absence of mint marks on these coins reflects the fact that in 1846, the Philadelphia Mint was the sole producer of cents, as it had been since the denomination’s inception in 1793.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Braided Hair Liberty Head, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves enclosing denomination 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1846 Cent. Due to their age and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command significant premiums.
The quality of the strike is particularly important for this issue, as weak strikes were common. Well-struck examples with full details, especially in Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, are more desirable. Original red color in uncirculated examples is highly prized, though most surviving specimens display brown toning.
Philadelphia, No Mint Mark
Mintage: 4,120,800
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Small Date, Large Date
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
The 1846 Cent is known for its Small Date and Large Date varieties. The Small Date variety is slightly scarcer and may command a premium, especially in higher grades. Die states and die cracks can also add interest and value for specialized collectors.
Environmental damage, such as corrosion or porosity, can significantly decrease value. Conversely, attractive, natural toning can enhance appeal and potentially increase value. For high-grade examples, eye appeal is crucial, with smooth surfaces and minimal contact marks being highly desirable traits.
This article originally appeared on Coins-value.com: 1846 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, And Current Prices
