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- Product ID: 14528
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The US Large Cent 1854 Braided Hair Very Good is a compelling numismatic artifact that provides a detailed look into the mid-19th-century monetary history of the United States. The large cent, one of the earliest denominations of US currency, was essential for everyday transactions during this period. Minted in 1854, the Braided Hair Large Cent represents a significant era in American coinage, showcasing the artistry and minting techniques of the time.
The Braided Hair design was introduced in 1839 by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, marking a departure from the earlier Matron Head design. The obverse of the 1854 Large Cent features a more refined and classical depiction of Liberty facing left. Liberty is adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," and her hair is intricately braided and pulled back, giving the design its name. The obverse is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies, with the date "1854" prominently displayed below Liberty's head. This design is celebrated for its elegance and attention to detail, capturing the nation's ideals of freedom and democracy.
The reverse of the coin showcases the denomination "ONE CENT" encircled by a wreath of laurel, symbolizing victory and prosperity. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surrounds the wreath, emphasizing the coin's national origin. Below the wreath, the fraction "1/100" is inscribed, indicating the coin's value relative to a dollar. The reverse design is simple yet elegant, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship at the US Mint during this period. The use of classical motifs such as the laurel wreath connects the coin to broader historical and cultural traditions of governance and triumph.
The mintage of the 1854 Braided Hair Large Cent was substantial, with approximately 4,236,156 coins produced. This production figure reflects the significant demand for large cents at the time, as they were primarily used for everyday transactions. Large cents played a crucial role in the local economy, providing a stable medium of exchange for goods and services. Despite the relatively high mintage, finding examples in Very Good (VG) condition can be challenging due to the extensive circulation these coins experienced over the years.
The condition of the 1854 Braided Hair Large Cent described as Very Good (VG) indicates that the coin exhibits significant wear from circulation but retains enough detail to be identifiable. In Very Good condition, Liberty's hair and the headband details are visible, although worn, and the stars and lettering on the obverse are still discernible. On the reverse, the laurel wreath remains visible, and the inscriptions and date are readable, though worn. The preservation of key details in this grade makes the coin appealing to collectors, as it offers a representation of the original design while showing evidence of its extensive historical journey through circulation.