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The US Large Cent 1856 Braided Hair Upright 5 in Fine condition represents a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history, reflecting both the aesthetic and technical advancements of mid-19th century coinage. The Large Cent, a significant denomination in the early years of the United States Mint, was designed by Christian Gobrecht and introduced in 1839 with the Braided Hair motif. By 1856, this design had undergone notable changes, particularly in the representation of the denomination on the coin.
The obverse of the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent features a portrait of Liberty, whose hair is styled in a braided fashion, an innovative design choice at the time. Liberty’s profile is shown facing left, with her hair coiled and flowing, encapsulated by a headband. This design, created by Gobrecht, was intended to reflect a more modern and refined image of Liberty compared to previous designs. The year "1856" is placed prominently below Liberty’s neck, marking the year of issue. In Fine condition, the coin displays moderate wear that has softened the finer details of the portrait. Despite this wear, the braided hair, headband, and the overall profile of Liberty remain distinguishable, showcasing the design’s original elegance and complexity.
On the reverse side, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent features a distinctive laurel wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT.” The laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of honor and achievement, is used here to emphasize the value of the coin. Surrounding the wreath is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” reinforcing the coin’s official status. Notably, the 1856 issue is distinguished by the “Upright 5” design feature, where the numeral “5” in the denomination “ONE CENT” is positioned upright, as opposed to being tilted or slanted. This subtle but significant variation is a defining characteristic of the 1856 issue. In Fine condition, the reverse design shows signs of wear that have softened the clarity of the wreath and inscription, yet the overall design remains recognizable, with the upright “5” still apparent.
The 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary facility for producing U.S. coinage during this period. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, was responsible for a significant portion of the nation's coin production. For the year 1856, the mintage of the Large Cent was approximately 4,518,000 pieces. This relatively high mintage indicates that the coin was widely circulated and used in everyday transactions across the country. The large mintage reflects the coin’s role in the economy of the United States during the mid-19th century.
In Fine condition, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent shows evidence of its circulation history, with moderate wear affecting both the obverse and reverse designs. The wear has softened the details, but the essential features of Liberty and the laurel wreath remain visible. Collectors value coins in Fine condition for their historical authenticity and their representation of the coin’s practical use during its time. The 1856 Large Cent, with its upright “5” and distinctive Braided Hair design, is a valuable example of mid-19th-century American coinage.
The Braided Hair design, introduced by Gobrecht, was part of a broader effort to modernize American coinage and incorporate contemporary artistic trends. The 1856 Large Cent reflects this design evolution and serves as a representative example of this important period in U.S. numismatic history. The upright “5” on the coin adds a unique element to the design, distinguishing it from other years in the Braided Hair series.
For collectors, the 1856 Braided Hair Large Cent in Fine condition provides valuable insight into the mid-19th-century American economy and numismatic design. The coin’s historical context, combined with its design features and minting details, makes it a noteworthy addition to any collection. The 1856 Large Cent stands as a tangible link to the past, illustrating the evolution of U.S. currency and the artistry of American coinage during the 19th century.
In summary, the US Large Cent 1856 Braided Hair Upright 5 in Fine condition is an important piece of American numismatic history, reflecting a significant era in the development of U.S. currency. Its design, minting history, and unique features make it a valuable collectible, highlighting its place within the broader narrative of American coinage and its enduring legacy in the world of numismatics.