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1856 Slanted 5

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 2,690,463 Combined mintage for all 1856 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-292

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1856:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1856 Slanted 5 large cent shows the final digit of the date tilted slightly to the right. The Slanted 5 is one of two recognized date styles for 1856, alongside the Upright 5. The slant reflects the angle at which the numeral punch was held when the die sinker impressed the digit into the working die. The difference is visible on coins with moderate or better detail.

The 1856 is the penultimate year of the large cent. The Philadelphia Mint produced 2,690,463 cents dated 1856, split between the two date varieties. While these coins were being struck, the Mint was distributing 1856 Flying Eagle cent patterns to members of Congress, building the case for replacing the large copper cent with a smaller, lighter coin. The Coinage Act of February 21, 1857, was less than a year away. The 1856 Slanted 5 is available in circulated grades and carries the quiet distinction of being from the last full production year of a denomination that had served American commerce since 1793.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $19.50 $23
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $30 $35
F-12 Fine (F) $33 $38
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $48 $55
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $121 $140
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $162 $187
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $225 $260
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $370 $395
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1856 Slanted 5 Braided Hair Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $225–$260 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1856 Slanted 5 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,690,463 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1856 varieties).
What is a 1856 Slanted 5 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1856 Slanted 5 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 1856 Slanted 5 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.