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← 1856 Slanted 5 Braided Hair Large Cents • 1839–1857
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1857 Small Date Proof

Large Cents · Braided Hair Large Cents · 1839–1857
Key date Proof
Weight10.89 g
Diameter27.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
Mintage 333,456 Combined mintage for all 1857 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerChristian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-296

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1857 Small Date proof large cent is the final proof of the denomination. Struck in small quantity from polished dies, it represents the Mint's last deliberate effort to produce a large cent in any form. After 1857, neither the large cent nor the half cent would ever be struck again. The proof carries the full weight of that finality.

Surviving 1857 Small Date proofs are rare and collected as the capstone of the proof large cent series. The coin combines terminal-date status with proof scarcity, making it one of the most desirable large cent proofs for collectors building the complete proof set. When one appears at auction, the result reflects both the coin's rarity and its symbolic significance as the last of its kind.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR) — —
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1857 Small Date Proof Braided Hair Large Cents were minted?
333,456 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1857 varieties).
What is a 1857 Small Date Proof Braided Hair Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1857 Small Date Proof 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 1857 Small Date Proof Braided Hair Large Cent a key date?
Yes — the 1857 Small Date Proof Braided Hair Large Cent is considered a key date in the Braided Hair Large Cents series and commands a strong premium.