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The 1856 U.S. Large Cent, featuring the Braided Hair design with the "Slanted 5" variety, holds a special place in the history of early American coinage. It was minted during a time when the United States was transitioning from an agrarian society into a more industrialized nation. The country was experiencing significant social, economic, and political changes, and the U.S. Mint was responding by producing more standardized and widely circulated coinage. The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is a key piece in the Braided Hair series, which ran from 1839 to 1857. This series was among the last large copper cents minted before the United States transitioned to smaller denominations due to rising production costs and the growing availability of other metals. The "Slanted 5" variety is a notable feature of the 1856 coin, as the numeral “5” in the date appears at a slight angle compared to other coins, making it an interesting and sought-after variation for collectors of early U.S. coins.
The design of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent was created by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. On the obverse, Liberty is depicted in profile, facing left. Her hair is intricately braided, which is how the coin earned the "Braided Hair" name. Liberty’s cap is inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” representing the ideals of freedom that were central to the United States' identity at the time. Surrounding the portrait of Liberty are 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies of the U.S., along with the year “1856” below. The most distinguishing feature of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is the "Slanted 5" in the date. The “5” in the year is noticeably tilted to the right, making this variety easily identifiable for collectors. The reverse of the coin features a wreath surrounding the inscription “ONE CENT,” with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling the outer edge. The reverse design symbolizes unity, strength, and the resilience of the United States, as the country was still dealing with sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. The coin's design represents a blend of classical ideals and national pride, making it a symbol of the United States during a time of growth and change.
The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent was minted at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, which was the only mint in operation at the time. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, was the central hub for coin production, and by 1856, it had perfected many aspects of minting technology. The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent was struck in copper, a relatively inexpensive and readily available metal. Copper was ideal for lower-denomination coins, as it allowed the Mint to produce a large number of coins without incurring high costs. The 1856 Large Cent was struck with hand-carved dies, which, although allowing for high-quality coinage, also sometimes led to imperfections and slight variations in the coins. The "Slanted 5" variety occurred because of an issue with the die alignment, resulting in the distinctive tilt of the numeral “5.” Although this variety was unintentional, it has become one of the defining features of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent, making it a popular and collectible coin among numismatists.
The mintage of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is estimated at approximately 3.5 million coins. This relatively high mintage suggests that the coin was widely circulated across the United States, playing a crucial role in the economy during that period. The large mintage also means that the coin was used in daily transactions by the public, as copper coins like the Large Cent were often employed for smaller purchases. However, the extensive circulation of the coin, combined with the inherent softness of copper, led to significant wear on many examples. Most surviving coins from this period show signs of wear and damage, especially given the lengthy period of circulation before these coins were withdrawn or melted down. Therefore, well-preserved examples of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent, especially those with the "Slanted 5" variety, are relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors. Despite the high mintage, the coin's wear and imperfections due to circulation mean that only a small percentage of the original coins remain in good condition.
The condition of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent plays a vital role in its value and desirability. Coins from this period, especially those made from copper, were prone to heavy circulation and wear. A coin graded as AG (About Good) typically shows significant wear, with most of the details on the coin worn smooth. For the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent, this means that Liberty’s portrait may be difficult to recognize, and the date “1856” may be faint or illegible. The reverse wreath and inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” may also be worn down, making them challenging to discern. Despite this heavy wear, coins in AG condition still have historical value and are sought after for their rarity. Higher-grade examples, such as those in VG (Very Good) or F (Fine) condition, are much rarer and command higher prices. These coins retain more of the original design, with clearer details in Liberty’s portrait, the date, and the reverse wreath, making them more desirable to collectors and increasing their market value. The “Slanted 5” variety, in particular, adds to the coin’s appeal, as collectors appreciate the uniqueness of this subtle but noticeable flaw.
The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent holds significant historical value as it was minted during a time of increasing sectional tension in the United States. The country was on the brink of the Civil War, with debates over slavery and states' rights coming to a head. The coin itself is a reflection of the country's broader social and political challenges, as the government sought to unify the nation through symbols such as Liberty and the motto “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The 1856 coin, part of the Braided Hair series, also marked the final years of the large copper cents, as the U.S. Mint would transition to smaller, more cost-effective coinage in the 1860s. The Braided Hair design, with its classical motifs, reflected the Mint’s efforts to create a coinage system that would be both recognizable and widely accepted across the country. As such, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is a symbol of the nation's early coinage history and its eventual transition to a more modern, smaller currency system.
For investors, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent offers a unique opportunity to own a rare and historically significant piece of U.S. coinage. The coin's copper composition provides some intrinsic value, though its rarity and historical importance make it especially valuable in the numismatic market. As fewer examples of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent remain in good condition, coins in higher grades are likely to appreciate over time. The "Slanted 5" variety, in particular, adds a level of interest for collectors who focus on die varieties and coin imperfections. Investors looking to diversify their portfolios with rare and historically significant items may find the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent to be a valuable addition. The coin’s scarcity in higher grades and its historical context make it an attractive investment for those seeking to own a piece of early U.S. coinage.
Collectors of early U.S. coinage will find the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent to be a crucial part of their collections. The Braided Hair series is one of the most popular and widely collected series in early U.S. coinage, and the 1856 coin is a key piece within that series. For collectors who focus on copper coins or early U.S. coins, the 1856 coin represents an important moment in the history of American currency. The “Slanted 5” variety, with its distinctive flaw, adds to the coin’s desirability and offers a unique challenge for numismatists who specialize in die varieties. The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is a must-have for collectors who appreciate the subtle details that make early American coins so fascinating. Its connection to the broader story of U.S. coinage, combined with its unique characteristics, makes it a valuable piece for any numismatic collection.
In conclusion, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent is a rare and valuable coin that represents a pivotal moment in U.S. numismatic history. The coin’s design, with its intricate depiction of Liberty and its reverse wreath symbolizing national unity, reflects the ideals of the United States in the mid-19th century. The “Slanted 5” variety, which adds a subtle but noticeable flaw to the coin, makes it particularly interesting for collectors of die varieties. Despite its relatively high mintage, the coin's vulnerability to wear and the imperfection in the die mean that well-preserved examples are scarce. Whether for its historical significance, its design, or its rarity, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent remains a prized piece in the collection of any numismatist or investor interested in early U.S. coinage.