1853 BRAIDED HAIR LARGE CENT – EXTREMELY FINE (XF)
A beautiful piece of American history dating back to 1853, this Braided Hair Large Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during an important period of growth and expansion in the United States.
COIN DETAILS
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Year: 1853
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Denomination: Large Cent
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Type: Braided Hair / Coronet Head
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Mint: Philadelphia
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Composition: Copper
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Weight: Approximately 10.89 grams
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Diameter: Approximately 27.5 mm
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Condition: Extremely Fine (XF)
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Mintage: 6,641,131
HISTORY
The Braided Hair Large Cent was one of the everyday coins used by Americans during the mid-1800s.
The obverse features Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet marked "LIBERTY." Her distinctive braided hair gives the coin its popular name.
The reverse features the words "ONE CENT" surrounded by a decorative laurel wreath.
The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, an important engraver whose work appears on several classic U.S. coin designs.
THE STORY OF 1853
In 1853, the United States was experiencing tremendous growth. The country was expanding westward, new towns and businesses were developing, and millions of Americans relied on coins like this one for everyday purchases.
This cent circulated during the years immediately before the American Civil War. Just four years later, in 1857, the large copper cent would be discontinued and replaced by the much smaller Flying Eagle Cent.
Because of this, the 1853 Large Cent represents an important chapter in the history of American coinage.
CONDITION
This coin is graded approximately Extremely Fine (XF).
It shows the light circulation wear expected from a coin of this age while retaining considerable detail in Liberty's portrait, lettering, and reverse design.
Please refer to the photographs for the exact color, surfaces, marks, and condition of the individual coin.
WHY COLLECT THIS COIN?
The Braided Hair Large Cent series is popular with collectors of early American and 19th-century U.S. coins.
At more than 170 years old, this 1853 cent is a genuine piece of American history and a fascinating reminder of everyday life in the United States before the Civil War.
A wonderful addition to any collection of U.S. Large Cents, 19th-century coins, or historic American currency.
