Collector's Key Unlock Your Collection
Log In Join Free
← Return to Braided Hair Large Cents
← 1856 Slanted 5 Braided Hair Large Cents • 1839–1857 1857 Large Date →
Obverse
Image coming soon
Reverse
Image coming soon
Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1856 Upright 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-294

Collection

— collectors own this
— on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

Sign up free Log in
Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1856:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1856 Upright 5 large cent shows the final digit of the date standing vertically, without the rightward lean of the Slanted 5 version. The variety is collected alongside the Slanted 5 as part of the 1856 date set. Both are available in circulated grades. The difference between the two is purely in the angle of the numeral punch during die preparation.

The 1856 large cent was among the last of its kind. The Mint was already testing the Flying Eagle small cent that would replace it. The new coin weighed only 4.67 grams, less than half the large cent's 10.9 grams, and used a cheaper copper-nickel alloy instead of pure copper. The economic argument for the change was overwhelming. The 1856 Upright 5 was struck without ceremony, part of the Mint's routine annual output, but it belongs to the final chapter of a denomination that would cease production the following year.

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 Upright 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 Upright 5 Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
2,690,463 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1856 varieties).
What is a 1856 Upright 5 Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1856 Upright 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 Upright 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.