Numismatic

1851 Large Cent VF

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In 1851, the United States Mint in Philadelphia produced a copper one-cent piece that was remarkably larger and heavier than the pennies we handle today. This coin belongs to the Braided Hair series, a design era spanning from 1839 to 1857. Created by Christian Gobrecht, this specific issue showcases the evolving artistic standards of mid-nineteenth-century American coinage. The front of the coin features an elegant left-facing profile of Liberty. Her hair is styled in a neat braid secured by a band inscribed with the word LIBERTY, while a circle of thirteen stars surrounds her to represent the original colonies. Below the portrait, the year 1851 is clearly struck. On the reverse, the denomination ONE CENT is centered within a continuous decorative wreath. Encircling this central wreath is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, showing the moderate wear of a coin that actively circulated during a transformative decade in American history.