Numismatic

1856 Large Cent Upright 5 XF

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The year 1856 marked a fascinating moment in American coinage, captured beautifully in this copper Large Cent. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this substantial copper piece represents the final years of the large-format pennies before the United States transitioned to smaller coin sizes. This specific variety is distinguished by the upright orientation of the number five in the date, a detail that catches the eye of dedicated numismatists. On the obverse, the coin displays the Classic Head Liberty design. Liberty faces left, her hair bound by a band inscribed with her name, surrounded by a ring of stars with the year 1856 anchored at the bottom. The rich copper surfaces of this Extra Fine specimen preserve the delicate contours of the portrait with remarkable clarity. The reverse of the coin features a delicate wreath that encircles the denomination, which is spelled out simply as One Cent. Encircling the wreath is the bold inscription declaring the nation of origin, United States of America. Together, these elements represent a classic era of early American minting, offering a tangible connection to the mid nineteenth century.