1856 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1856 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series — a late issue, 18th of 19 years in the series. In 1856, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.4 million. This ranks 11th of 19 years by total mintage, above the series median of 5.2 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left with braided hair swept up and held by a beaded cord, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Penultimate year of the large cent. Production declined as the Flying Eagle Cent was being prepared. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 2 known die varieties for this date, including cud. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $437 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $7.5K in PR66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.