1853 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

The 1853 1C, BN (Braided Hair Large Cent) is a significant coin for numismatists, encapsulating a fascinating period in U.S. coin history. This particular coin was minted during a time when the steam-powered presses bore witness to the peak of Large Cent production. The 1850s represented the last decade of these hefty copper coins before they were phased out in favor of the smaller cent we use today. The 1853 Large Cent, especially in Brown (BN), is appreciated both for its historical significance and its scarcity. ### Mint & Mintage The 1853 Large Cent was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the sole minting facility involved in the production of Large Cents during this period. The total mintage for the 1853 Large Cent was substantial, with 6,641,131 pieces produced, reflecting a time when the demand for coinage was significant as the United States economy expanded westward and experienced rapid growth. ### PCGS Information According to PCGS CoinFacts, this coin has been assigned the PCGS number 1896. The service offers an invaluable reference for collectors and investors looking to assess the market and rarity of specific grades of this coin. ### Rarity and Collectibility Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1853 1C becomes considerably rarer in higher grades. The Large Cent series, including the 1853 issue, was often subject to heavy circulation, which makes uncirculated and higher-grade examples scarce. Its rarity is underscored by its survival rate in higher conditions; premium examples command significant interest among collectors, prized for their detailed design and the story they represent. ### Value and Sales The value of the 1853 Large Cent, BN varies widely depending on condition. Circulated examples typically fetch modest prices, but those in Mint State (MS) can command considerably higher values. For instance, specimens graded MS65 Brown (BN) have historically realized prices exceeding several thousand dollars at auction. Past sales have illustrated the demand for these higher-grade examples, with certain pieces sold for remarkable amounts reflecting their condition and desirability. ### Historical Context From a numismatist’s perspective, the Braided Hair design itself was the work of Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht and, later, his successor James B. Longacre. The design features Lady Liberty donning a braided hair style, with the reverse showcasing a simple yet elegant wreath. The Braided Hair motif was introduced in 1839 and survived until the denomination's cessation in 1857, marking it as a distinctive era in the lineage of U.S. coinage. ### Numismatic Interest Numismatic experts emphasize that the 1853 Large Cent is a quintessential representation of antebellum America. Its sizable copper form captures a time before significant social and economic transformations altered the United States forever. Collectors of early American copper appreciate the coin for its beauty and the insight it offers into the mid-19th century American economy, coinage practices, and artistry. The 1853 1C, BN remains an attractive purchase for both seasoned numismatists and new collectors seeking a tangible piece of history. Its story, rarity, and the artistry entailed in its design add intrinsic value beyond the coin's material worth. Collectors are encouraged to seek well-preserved examples that offer the sharpest details of Lady Liberty's visage and wreaths for the most gratifying acquisition.