Numismatic

1853 Large Cent VF

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In the decade preceding the American Civil War, the United States Mint produced a substantial copper coin that felt heavy and significant in the hand. The 1853 Large Cent represents the culmination of this early American tradition, minted at the Philadelphia facility. Struck in pure copper, this coin is a tangible survivor of everyday commerce from the mid nineteenth century, preserved today in Very Fine condition. The obverse features a profile of Liberty, her hair neatly styled in a braided fashion and secured with a band inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Beneath her portrait, the year 1853 is boldly struck. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, offers a dignified representation of the young nation's ideals. On the reverse, the coin displays a delicate wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT. Encircling this central motif is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This simple yet elegant combination of symbols and text defined the copper coinage of the era, offering a fascinating look into the design sensibilities of early America.