$365.00
1855 Braided Hair Large Cent –Upright 5's Variety – Classic Pre-Civil War Copper
This 1855 Braided Hair Large Cent features the Upright 5's variety—an early die state where the final two digits in the date appear upright rather than leaning forward. This diagnostic detail makes it a standout subtype within the final years of large cent production at the U.S. Mint.
Struck in pure copper, the Braided Hair design by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht showcases Liberty with long flowing hair, encircled by 13 stars, and a bold wreath reverse with “ONE CENT” centered. The 1855 issue was produced just two years before the large cent series ended, making it a popular target for 19th-century type collectors.
This piece offers rich original surfaces and clear detail, ideal for collectors building out early copper, variety sets, or full-date runs of U.S. large cents.
1855 Large Cents come with two different date styles -- one has slanted 5's and the other has upright 5's. In all of the years preceding 1855, the 5's had some degree of slant, though perhaps not to the degree as seen on the 1855's. Both Slanted and Upright 5's are found on 1856 Large Cents, then the issue is settled with the 1857, which has Upright 5's only. The end of the Large Cent denomination after 1857 sealed their fate.
According to the PCGS Population Report (as of March 2012), the Upright 5s variety is the more common of the two, though hundreds have been certified of each. No 1855 Large Cent (of either type) has earned a grade better than MS-66, and that includes all color variations. Amazingly, a handful of Full Reg Gem examples have survived to satisfy and excite collectors.
