The coin in question is a Braided Hair Cent, minted in 1857 at the Philadelphia mint, identified by the mint mark 'P'. This one-cent piece, commonly referred to as a penny, is composed of copper and has a distinctive diameter of 27.5 mm and a weight of approximately 10.89 grams. With a total mintage of 333,546, this coin is part of a series that exhibits the Braided Hair design, which features a portrait of Liberty adorned with a braided hairstyle. The 1857 Braided Hair Cent is notable not only for its design but also for its representation of mid-19th century American currency. It was produced through a mint strike process, indicating a higher quality of production compared to coins made via other methods. Despite some variations in condition, the overall status of these coins remains of interest to collectors and numismatists alike. As this is a piece of historical currency from the United States, it encapsulates a significant era in coinage, offering insight into the artistic and economic values of the time. The Braided Hair Cents were last minted in 1857 and are now considered collectible items that evoke interest for both their design and historical context.
| currency | USD |
| currency-amount | 0.01 |
| diameter | 27.5 |
| height | 0 |
| material | Copper |
| mint-mark | P |
| mintage | 333546 |
| type | Coins |
| weight | 10.89 |
| width | 0 |
| year-display | 1857 |