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1855 Slanted 55

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,574,829 Combined mintage for all 1855 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-290

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About this coinHistory

The 1855 Slanted 55 large cent shows the two 5s in the date tilted slightly to the right, a result of the numeral punch being held at an angle when the die sinker impressed the digits into the working die. The slant is visible on well-preserved coins and distinguishes this variety from the Upright 55 version. The Slanted 55 is the more commonly encountered of the two date styles for 1855.

The 1855 cent was produced during the large cent's penultimate full year. The Mint was actively developing the Flying Eagle cent that would replace the large copper coin in 1857. Pattern strikes of the new design were being prepared for distribution to lawmakers. The 1855 Slanted 55 shows no awareness of the denomination's approaching end. It carries the same Braided Hair design, the same weight, and the same diameter that had characterized every large cent since 1840. The coin is available in circulated grades across the standard range.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1855 Slanted 55 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
1,574,829 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1855 varieties).
What is a 1855 Slanted 55 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1855 Slanted 55 Braided Hair Large Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1855 Slanted 55 Braided Hair Large Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.