United States of America 1854 Philadelphia Braided Hair Half Cents $1 (One Dollar)

Coin / United States of America / 1854 / Philadelphia / Braided Hair Half Cents / $1 (One Dollar)

This coin is a remarkable example from the Braided Hair Half Cents series, specifically minted in Philadelphia in 1854. It features the renowned design by Christian Gobrecht, capturing the intricate details typical of the era. Although listed as a Half Cent, the coin provided is described with a denomination of $1 (One Dollar), which may reflect a miscommunication in denomination, as the Braided Hair series typically includes lower denominations. The coin exhibits a proof production type, characterized by its reflective surfaces and sharp detail, indicating that it was struck with specially polished dies and intended for collectors rather than general circulation. This specific piece has an exceptionally low mintage of only 30, making it quite rare and desirable among numismatists. Crafted from copper, the coin has a diameter of 23 mm and a total weight of 5.44 grams. Its edge is plain, which was customary for many coins of this time period. The absence of a mint mark suggests it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, a common practice for coins of this genre. In summary, this 1854 Braided Hair Half Cent, while appearing at first as a Half Cent, is potentially a high-value collectible due to its proof status and extremely low mintage. Collectors and hobbyists will find it not only a splendid addition to their collection but also a fascinating piece of American monetary history.