1855 1C Slanted 55, BN (Regular Strike)

The 1855 1C Slanted 55, BN (Regular Strike), is a notable variant in the series of large cents produced by the United States Mint. This copper coin, minted in Philadelphia, is a part of the Braided Hair series which ran from 1839 to 1857, with the 1855 edition being particularly distinctive due to its "Slanted 55" feature on the date. This feature arises from a variation in the way the "55" was struck on the die, resulting in its unique slanted appearance. This irregularity is a subject of interest for collectors, adding a layer of intrigue to the coin's overall historical and numismatic context. **Rarity and Mintage** The mintage for the 1855 large cent was substantial, with 1,574,829 coins produced, which marks it as moderately scarce within the realm of numismatics. Even though the total mintage was relatively high, the survival rate, especially in higher grades, is quite low. This causes this variant to command significant interest among collectors, especially in well-preserved states. Examples of this coin in lower circulated conditions are more frequently encountered, but those in mint state are notably rarer, making them valuable. **Collecting and Value** From a numismatist point of view, the 1855 1C Slanted 55 is appreciated not just for its age and copper composition, but for its striking error which captures an era of less mechanized minting. As is often the case with coins showing notable die characteristics or anomalies, this variant can be valued significantly higher than its more common counterparts in the same series. The value of this coin varies substantially based on its condition. On average, a piece in a lower grade like VG (Very Good) might be valued around $50 to $100. However, coins in higher grades, such as MS (Mint State), can see prices soar considerably. Notable past sales from reputable auctions have seen prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, contingent upon the coin's state of preservation and market demand at the time of sale. Specifically, an MS65 BN has been valued over $2,500 according to some historical auction records. Numismatics cherish the 1855 Slanted 55 not only for its craftsmanship and uniqueness caused by the slant error but also due to the transition period in American copper coinage it represents. The imminent cessation of large cent production in 1857 adds historical significance to these pieces. **PCGS Certification and Details** According to PCGS CoinFacts, the coin carries the PCGS number of 1906. Collectors often rely on professional certification to verify the authenticity and state of their 1855 Slanted 55 Large Cent, underscoring the importance of condition and provenance. Such certifications also help maintain the coin's value in private collections and future sales. Collectors seeking to add the 1855 1C Slanted 55, BN to their collection should consider the coin's historical context, rarity, market trends, and specific condition to assess its potential investment and enjoyment value.