1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base
Base
About This Coin
The 1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Coronet Head Cents 1839-1857 series — a late issue, 17th of 19 years in the series. In 1855, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 9.8 million. This ranks 16th 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. Upright 55 and Slanting 55 date varieties. The Mint was already experimenting with smaller cents. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 3 known die varieties for this date, including interior die break. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $498 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $20K in AU58 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Christian Gobrecht.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(5)
1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Knob on Ear
1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Proof Slanted 55
1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Slanted 55
1855 Braided Hair Coronet Head Cent - Upright 55
