The 1855 large cent is one of the most important coins in American numismatics.
This rare coin has a fascinating history that dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and it's been popular among collectors for many years.
It was produced from copper planchets and its design features Lady Liberty on the obverse side, along with a wreath of corn, cotton, wheat and tobacco leaves encircling her image on the reverse.
As such, it represents an iconic symbol of America’s past and continues to attract attention today.
Let's take a closer look at this valuable collectible piece!
History Of The 1855 Large Cent
The 1855 Large Cent was a valuable and significant coin in American numismatic history. Its mintage of just over 1 million coins made it rarer than most other large cents, while its considerable size allowed for detailed design work. This combination of scarcity and beauty has kept the coin popular amongst collectors to this day.
The obverse features Lady Liberty encircled by 13 stars representing the original colonies. Her head is adorned with a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, while her hair cascades down in graceful curls.
The reverse displays an ornate wreath that wraps around ONE CENT, which is situated at the center of the piece.
These intricate motifs have earned praise from both professional and amateur numismatists alike, who admire its craftsmanship as well as its historical importance. Alongside being one of the last large cent series issued by America, it also serves as a reminder of what once was before transitioning into smaller denominations such as pennies and nickels.
Design Features Of The 1855 Large Cent
Following the introduction of large cents in 1793, the 1855 Large Cent is an iconic and important piece of American history. By studying its design features it can be seen how far coin production had come by this time.
The obverse side of the 1855 Large Cent depicts a laurel wreath surrounding the words 'United States Of America'. Inside that wreath is Liberty's head facing left with her hair tied up into a bun and decorated with a ribbon. She wears a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY' above her forehead. The date appears below Liberty's neckline, encircled by stars representing each state at the time.
On the reverse side of the 1855 Large Cent, there is an agricultural wreath of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco leaves surrounding 'ONE CENT.' Inscribed on this wreath are thirteen five-pointed stars to represent each original colony which formed the United States during this period. At the bottom center of this face is a small bundle of arrows symbolizing war as well as peace among those colonies.
Numismatists have long studied these details to gain insight into early American culture and values through coins such as the 1855 Large Cent. From its motifs to its materials used in minting, every aspect has something interesting to tell us about our nation’s past.
Rarity Of The 1855 Large Cent
The 1855 Large Cent is a rare and valuable coin, sought after by numismatists around the world. A shining symbol of American history and economics, it's an object that enthusiasts crave to add to their collection. In numismatic terms, it has become a legendary item; its value unmatched in comparison to other coins from the era.
As such, it can be difficult for collectors to come across one of these coins - only 30 examples are known to exist! Even more remarkable is that not all of them are available on the open market, as some have been passed down through generations or kept hidden away in private collections. To get your hands on one would require a great deal of perseverance and luck, making it a true prize among aficionados of early American currency.
Despite being so highly prized and hard-to-find, the 1855 Large Cent remains an accessible piece of US monetary history due to its iconic imagery; Lady Liberty graces one side with her timeless beauty while an eagle dominates the reverse.
This representation gives us insight into United States' economy at the time and serves as reminder of how rapidly our nation was growing during this period.
Value Of The 1855 Large Cent
The rarity of the 1855 large cent is well-documented among numismatists, and this has had a great effect on its value. Those specimens that are in good condition can fetch quite a price at auction or through private sale, though prices may vary depending on the grade and provenance of each piece.
It's worth noting that while some rare varieties exist with dates ranging from 1793 to 1857, the 1855 Large Cent stands out as particularly desirable due to its scarcity relative to other years' mintage numbers. Due to their rarity, it's common for collectors to seek out examples of this issue when building complete date sets or type collections.
As such, these coins tend to be highly sought after by knowledgeable collectors who understand just how hard they're often difficult to come across. Furthermore, many experienced collectors will pay premium prices for coins that have been certified by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC in order to ensure authenticity.
Not surprisingly then, pricing for an 1855 large cent can range widely - from hundreds of dollars for mid-grade circulated pieces up into the tens of thousands for pristine uncirculated specimens. In any case, if you happen upon one of these coins during your collecting pursuits it is wise to take advantage of the opportunity given its potential market value!
Collecting The 1855 Large Cent
The 1855 large cent is an absolute treasure for any numismatist. It's a truly remarkable coin with immense historical significance, making it one of the most sought after coins in the world.
Collecting this iconic piece of American history can be an incredibly rewarding experience –– and even more so when you actually get your hands on one! When researching these coins, it’s important to pay attention to their condition because that can greatly affect their value. If a coin looks worn or damaged then its worth will likely decrease significantly. On the other hand, if the 1855 large cent appears well-preserved and maintains its vibrant colors then its estimated price could skyrocket exponentially.
If you are lucky enough to find a genuine 1855 large cent in mint condition, chances are you won't regret investing in this rare artifact from US currency history. Not only is it an extremely valuable item but also an incredibly beautiful one at that! With all these factors combined, it’s no wonder why so many hobbyists take pride in owning one of these magnificent coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does An 1855 Large Cent Weigh?
As a numismatist, I'm often asked about the weight of large cents. Large cents were minted from 1793 to 1857 in the United States and are generally composed of copper or bronze.
The most common weighs approximately 10.89 grams, not including the variations that can sometimes be found within this timeframe. An 1855 large cent typically falls into this category, weighing approximately 10.89 grams as well.
Can I Buy An 1855 Large Cent Online?
When it comes to buying coins, collectors may find great deals on 1855 large cents online.
Numismatists can purchase these rare and valuable coins from a variety of trusted sources via the internet.
It's important to be mindful when making an online transaction though, as not all sites are reputable or offer quality products!
Doing research ahead of time is always recommended before committing to any purchase.
Is The 1855 Large Cent Made Of Copper Or Nickel?
Ah, the notorious 1855 Large Cent! This fascinating coin is a numismatic marvel that collectors and investors go wild for.
It's made of an intriguing material: copper or nickel? You may be surprised to hear that it's actually both!
The obverse face of this beautiful coin is crafted from pure nickel, while its reverse features a magnificent blend of 95% copper and 5% nickel alloy.
Truly stunning and highly sought-after, the 1855 Large Cent is one amazing specimen not to be missed!
Where Can I Find A Grading System For The 1855 Large Cent?
As a numismatist, it's important to have an accurate grading system for coins. The 1855 large cent is no exception and should be graded according to its condition.
For those seeking out such a system, the Sheldon Grading Scale is recommended; this scale was created by Dr. William H. Sheldon in 1949 and assigns values from 1-70 to coins based on their physical attributes.
To use the scale correctly, one must understand the different criteria used and how they affect the grade of a coin - for example, luster or toning can drastically alter the outcome of a score.
With access to reliable information about these topics, collectors can make informed decisions when assessing any 1855 large cent.
Is The 1855 Large Cent A Rare Coin?
The 1855 large cent is a coin of exceptional rarity, and one that any numismatist would be proud to own.
It stands out from its contemporaries as an exceedingly rare piece with immense collectible value - a true find for the discerning eye.
Alliterating 'rarity' and 'rare', this coin is not easily acquired, but when it can be located, it's highly sought after in the numismatic world.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can confidently say that the 1855 Large Cent is an interesting and unique coin. It weighs 10.89 grams, is made of copper, and has been graded by many prominent organizations.
Even though it may not be as rare as some other coins, its popularity among collectors remains strong due to its historical significance.
What's truly remarkable about this piece of history is that in the year 2020 alone, over 1 million pieces were sold around the world! This shows just how much interest there is for these coins today - something that will give any collector who owns one a sense of satisfaction knowing their investment was well worth it!