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1855 Braided Hair Half Cent

Strike Type
1855 Braided Hair Half Cent

Coin Details

Year
1855
Denomination
Half Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857
Designer
Christian Gobrecht
Mintage
56,500
Composition
Copper
Weight
5.44g
Diameter
23mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$69 - $612

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$6,300 MS66+BN 11-22-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1855 Braided Hair Half Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series. With a mintage of 56,500, this is an extremely rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. 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 at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $69 to $612 depending on grade and condition. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1233.

External References

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