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The 1855 Braided Hair Half Cent in Very Fine (VF) condition represents one of the final issues in the longest-running but smallest-denomination coin series in U.S. history. As a member of the Braided Hair type, which ran from 1840 through 1857, the 1855 issue is part of the last chapter of the half cent’s circulation. Introduced in the late 18th century to accommodate everyday small transactions, the half cent had become increasingly obsolete by the mid-19th century due to inflation and the public's growing preference for larger denominations and paper currency. Despite this, the U.S. Mint continued to produce these coins in limited quantities, with the 1855 issue exemplifying the artistic refinement and declining practicality of the denomination during its final years.
The obverse of the 1855 half cent features the Braided Hair design created by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. It depicts a mature Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet or tiara inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is tightly braided into a bun at the back of her head, giving the design its name. Surrounding Liberty are thirteen six-pointed stars, representing the original colonies, with the date “1855” positioned at the bottom. In Very Fine condition, Liberty’s facial features remain well defined, with her eye, nose, and mouth clearly visible. The hair braid and coronet retain partial detail, though the highest points may be softly worn. The stars are mostly sharp, and the date is bold and clear, with little erosion from circulation wear.
The reverse of the coin features a large laurel wreath surrounding the denomination “HALF CENT” at the center. The wreath is tied at the bottom with a ribbon, and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the border. The edge is plain, consistent with other later half cent issues. In Very Fine condition, the reverse retains strong detail in the wreath’s leaves and bow. Some wear may be visible on the uppermost leaves and ribbon, but the separation between individual elements is still clear. The lettering remains bold and fully legible, and the fields typically exhibit only light marks or minor surface wear, preserving the coin’s overall visual appeal and symmetry.
The Philadelphia Mint was the sole producer of all 1855 half cents, as no branch mints ever struck this denomination. The mintage for the year was 56,500 coins, a relatively low figure even among late-date half cents. This low mintage reflects the diminishing utility of the coin in general circulation and the waning demand from the public and banking institutions. By the mid-1850s, commerce had shifted decisively toward larger denominations, and the production of the half cent was largely sustained for collectors and to maintain denominational completeness rather than for widespread use. As a result, surviving examples are of particular interest to numismatists who appreciate both their scarcity and their status as representatives of a fading monetary era.
The Braided Hair series marked a stylistic refinement over its predecessor, the Classic Head type, offering a more sophisticated and polished depiction of Liberty. Gobrecht’s design is more compact and symmetrical, with a greater emphasis on uniformity and detail. These coins also benefited from advances in minting technology, allowing for more consistent strikes and better die preparation. The 1855 half cent, while struck with these technical advantages, still bears the hallmarks of 19th-century manual coin production, including the potential for slight die cracks, planchet flaws, or strike softness—features that collectors of early American copper often study and value for their insight into minting practices of the period.
The historical context of the 1855 half cent is significant. It was issued during a time of national expansion and growing political tensions leading to the Civil War. Industrialization was reshaping the American economy, and the use of coins was evolving rapidly. The introduction of small-diameter cents in 1856 and the formal end of the half cent series in 1857 were part of a broader overhaul of American coinage aimed at improving usability and reducing production costs. Thus, the 1855 half cent is both a numismatic artifact and a reflection of larger systemic changes occurring within the U.S. Mint and the economy at large.
In Very Fine condition, the 1855 Braided Hair Half Cent offers a highly collectible example that balances aesthetic quality with historical wear. Such a coin typically shows moderate, even wear across the high points of the design but retains much of its original detail. The fields are generally smooth, free from distracting damage, and often exhibit attractive natural brown toning—a hallmark of well-preserved early copper. Rim integrity is usually intact, with only minor flattening from circulation. The coin’s original luster may be gone, but its overall presentation remains pleasing, with a blend of sharpness and patina that highlights its age and authenticity.
Collectors of early U.S. copper appreciate the 1855 half cent for its role in completing both type and date sets. As one of only a few Braided Hair issues and with a relatively low mintage, it appeals to specialists and general collectors alike. In VF grade, the coin is well within reach of many collectors and provides a satisfying representation of the type. While uncirculated examples of the 1855 half cent are considerably more expensive and scarcer, VF specimens maintain excellent detail and display the design’s full layout, making them ideal for inclusion in historical displays or educational collections.
The appeal of the Braided Hair design lies in its balance of neoclassical style and utilitarian clarity. The 1855 half cent embodies the culmination of half a century of copper coinage and demonstrates the Mint’s ability to adapt classical motifs for everyday use. Although the denomination would be discontinued just two years later, its final issues—like this 1855 example—retain a special place in the evolution of American numismatics. They are tangible links to a time when coinage carried not just economic function but also national symbolism, artistry, and the aspirations of a young and growing republic.
The 1855 Braided Hair Half Cent in Very Fine condition stands as a quietly significant coin within early American copper collecting. With its sharp yet lightly worn features, low mintage, and place in the closing phase of the half cent’s life, it offers both beauty and historical resonance. Whether acquired as part of a complete Braided Hair set, a 19th-century type collection, or simply as an individual piece of U.S. numismatic history, the 1855 half cent continues to captivate collectors for its elegance, rarity, and the story it tells about a changing nation and the final days of a humble but once-essential denomination.