1855 Braided Hair Half Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1855 Braided Hair Half Cent is a United States cent from the Braided Hair Half Cents 1840-1857 series — a late issue, 16th of 18 years in the series. In 1855, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 56,540. This ranks 16th of 18 years by total mintage, above the series median of 56. 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 5.44 grams, 23 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $69 to $7.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $6.9K in PR65 grade at Bowers & Merena. 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(2)
1855 Braided Hair Half Cent
1855 Proof Braided Hair Half Cent
Other Base Coins in This Series
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