1855 Large Cent Value Guide (Upright 55, Slanted 55, Knob on Ear)

1855 Large Cent: The Twilight of an Era

The 1855 Braided Hair Cent was the final year of regular Large Cent production before the Small Cent transition

The 1855 Braided Hair Large Cent represents a pivotal moment in United States coinage history. While Philadelphia continued producing traditional large cents for commerce, the Mint simultaneously struck experimental small cent patterns that would soon make the large format obsolete. This duality makes 1855 a fascinating transition year for collectors.

Values range from $30 for well-worn examples to over $13,750 for rare proof specimens in premium condition. Three major date varieties—Upright 55, Slanted 55, and the famous Knob on Ear—create distinct collecting opportunities. For copper coins of this era, original surface color is paramount: fully red specimens command premiums of 300-400% over brown examples in the same numerical grade.

This guide covers identification, valuation across all three major varieties, grading diagnostics, authentication concerns, and the historical context that made 1855 the swan song of America's first century denomination.

How to Identify Your 1855 Large Cent

All 1855 Large Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and bear no mint mark. The coin's specifications are standard for the final years of the Braided Hair series: 10.89 grams in weight, 27.5 mm diameter, struck in approximately 100% copper with a plain edge. Designer Christian Gobrecht's initials do not appear on the coin.

The two primary date styles: Upright 55 (left) with vertical digits and Slanted 55 (right) with italicized numerals

Obverse Design: The obverse features Liberty's head facing left, her hair intricately braided and tied with a ribbon inscribed "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars encircle the portrait—seven to the left, six to the right. The date "1855" appears below the bust. The key identification feature is the date style: examine whether both "5" digits stand vertically (Upright 55) or appear slanted/italicized (Slanted 55). This distinction determines which of the two primary varieties you have.

Reverse Design: The reverse displays "ONE CENT" at center, surrounded by an agricultural wreath of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco, symbolizing American agriculture. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircles the wreath. The reverse design is consistent across all business strike varieties.

The dramatic 'Knob on Ear' die break on the Newcomb-9 variety is one of the most famous Large Cent errors

The Knob on Ear Variety: The most dramatic and valuable variety features a prominent raised lump of copper above Liberty's ear on the obverse. This "Knob on Ear" resulted from a significant die break and occurs exclusively on the Newcomb-9 die marriage, which uses the Slanted 55 date style. The knob is impossible to miss—it appears as a distinct raised blob protruding from Liberty's hair above her ear. This variety is highly sought after and commands substantial premiums.

Business Strikes vs. Proofs: The vast majority of 1855 cents are business strikes intended for circulation. Proof specimens, struck in extremely limited quantities for collectors, feature sharply defined details, mirrored fields contrasting with frosted devices, and squared rims. Proofs are exceedingly rare—the NGC Census reports only 12 graded proof examples across all color designations. If you suspect you have a proof, professional authentication is essential.

1855 Large Cent Value Guide

Market values for the 1855 Large Cent are determined by three primary factors: the date variety (Upright 55, Slanted 55, or Knob on Ear), the numerical grade, and critically, the color designation (BN, RB, or RD). The following valuations are based on the PCGS Price Guide and documented auction results as of October 2025.

1855 Upright 55 Variety

The Upright 55 is the more common of the two primary date styles, characterized by vertically oriented "5" digits. While readily available in circulated grades, high-grade uncirculated examples with strong original color are highly prized. This variety encompasses several Newcomb die marriages including N-1 through N-8 and N-12 through N-13, though these specialized attributions typically don't command premiums in the general market.

Brown (BN) Values:

Red-Brown (RB) and Red (RD) Values: RB examples command premiums of approximately 25-100% over BN values depending on grade. In MS-63, an RB specimen is valued at $550-700 versus $425 for BN. RD examples show even more dramatic premiums: MS-63 RD is valued at $1,100, MS-64 RD at $1,750, MS-65 RD at $3,800, and MS-66 RD at $5,750.

1855 Slanted 55 Variety

This variety displays noticeably slanted or italicized "5" digits in the date. It is scarcer than the Upright 55 and commands modest premiums, especially in higher grades. The most common die marriage is Newcomb-10. Newcomb-11 is a proof-only striking.

Brown (BN) Values:

Color Premium Examples: The scarcity premium combined with color premiums creates significant value differences. An MS-64 RB Slanted 55 is valued at $850-1,100, while MS-64 RD reaches $2,000-2,500. At the MS-65 level, BN specimens are worth $1,200-1,500, RB examples $1,800-2,400, and RD examples $4,000-5,500.

1855 Knob on Ear Variety (Newcomb-9)

This is one of the most visually dramatic and collectible die varieties in the entire Large Cent series. The prominent raised lump above Liberty's ear, caused by a major die break, makes this variety instantly recognizable. PCGS estimates approximately 700 examples survive in all grades, with only 50 in Mint State and just 10 in Gem condition (MS-65 or better).

Brown (BN) Values:

RB and RD Premiums: Red-Brown examples command substantial premiums: MS-64 RB is valued at $2,500-3,500, and MS-65 RB at $4,000-5,500. MS-66 RB examples, when they appear, can exceed $8,000. Red examples with the Knob on Ear feature are exceedingly rare in all grades and would be priced individually at auction.

1855 Proof Large Cent

Proof 1855 Large Cents are significant rarities struck in tiny quantities for collectors. The exact mintage is unknown but extremely limited—NGC reports a total population of only 12 graded examples across all color designations. Known proofs are attributed to the Newcomb-11 die marriage.

Brown (BN) Proof Values:

Proof specimens with significant original red color (RB or RD designations) are virtually unknown in the marketplace. Such pieces would be valued individually at major auctions and could command substantial premiums over the BN values listed above.

Grading the 1855 Large Cent

Accurately grading an 1855 Braided Hair Cent requires understanding both the numerical grade (reflecting wear and preservation) and the color designation (reflecting surface oxidation). Both factors profoundly impact value.

Wear progression on Braided Hair Cents: note how hair details and star centers are key diagnostic areas

Circulated Grades: In Good-4 (G-4), the date is barely visible and Liberty's portrait is heavily worn with most hair details obliterated. Star centers are completely flat. By Very Fine-20 (VF-20), major design elements are clear but worn flat. Hair strands are visible but lack fine detail. Star centers show wear but remain outlined. Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40) specimens display light wear on the high points—Liberty's hair above the ear and the star centers—but most design details remain sharp. About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50) shows only traces of friction on the highest points, with most original mint luster preserved in protected areas.

Check these high points first when grading: hair above ear, star centers, and wreath details

Mint State Grades: Mint State coins show no wear from circulation. MS-60 to MS-62 will have numerous bagmarks and contact marks, possibly with some weakness of strike. MS-63 features moderate contact marks but better overall eye appeal. MS-64 has only minor marks and good luster. MS-65 and higher showcase exceptional surfaces with minimal marks, strong strike, and outstanding eye appeal. Strike quality is critical—due to die wear from high mintages, many Braided Hair Cents show weakness in star centers and hair details even in high mint state grades. Coins from fresh, early-state dies command premiums.

Color designations dramatically affect value: Brown (5% red), Red-Brown (5-95% red), and Red (95%+ red)

Color Designations for Copper: The color designation is determined by the percentage of original mint red luster remaining on the coin's surfaces. Brown (BN) indicates 5% or less original red, typically displaying stable chocolate-brown patina. Red-Brown (RB) shows 5-95% original red, usually most evident in protected areas around design elements. Red (RD) retains 95% or more of the original fiery red or orange mint luster. Even on RD coins, small black carbon spots called "flyspecks" are common and acceptable. The progression from BN to RB to RD can mean value differences of 300-400% in high mint state grades.

Strike Quality Considerations: Beyond wear, evaluate the sharpness of the strike. Large Cent dies were often used until heavily worn, resulting in coins with weak star centers, mushy hair details, and heavy radial flowlines in the fields. These "late die state" characteristics can reduce desirability even on technically high-grade coins. Sharply struck specimens from early die states show crisp detail throughout and command premiums among specialists.

Die Varieties of the 1855 Large Cent

The 1855 Large Cent is collected by die variety specialists who follow the Newcomb numbering system, which catalogs different die marriages used to strike the coins. While numerous Newcomb attributions exist (N-1 through N-13 are known), only three have achieved broad commercial significance among general collectors due to their visual distinctiveness and ease of identification.

Upright 55 (Common Date Style)

This is the more prevalent date style, characterized by vertically oriented "5" digits that stand upright in the date. The Upright 55 style encompasses the majority of Newcomb die marriages including N-1 through N-8 and N-12 through N-13. These individual die marriages are of great interest to specialists but typically don't carry significant premiums in the general market unless exhibiting exceptional rarity or dramatic features. An MS-64 BN example of the N-1 variety realized $1,610(Heritage Auctions, 2012), and an MS-66 BN of the N-3 variety sold for $1,293(auction, 2015).

Slanted 55 (Scarcer Date Style)

This variety features date numerals where both "5"s appear noticeably slanted or italicized rather than standing vertically. It is scarcer than the Upright 55 and commands modest premiums over the common date style, particularly in higher mint state grades. The diagnostic is readily visible to the naked eye when comparing the two styles side by side. The most common Slanted 55 die marriage is Newcomb-10, which is available but less frequently encountered than Upright 55 examples. An MS-67 BN Slanted 55 specimen sold for $3,738(auction, 2003), demonstrating the premium commanded by this scarcer style in top grades.

Knob on Ear Variety (Newcomb-9)

This is one of the most famous and visually dramatic die varieties in the entire Large Cent series. A significant piece of the obverse die broke away above Liberty's ear, creating a prominent raised lump of copper on every coin struck from that die state. The "knob" is large, obvious, and impossible to confuse with any other variety. This die variety is exclusive to the Newcomb-9 die marriage, which uses the Slanted 55 date style.

The Knob on Ear variety has been popular with collectors for over a century due to its dramatic visual appeal and ease of identification—no magnification or specialized knowledge is required to spot it. PCGS estimates a total survival of approximately 700 examples in all grades. Rarity becomes acute in higher grades: only about 50 specimens are estimated to exist in Mint State (MS-60 or better), and just 10 in Gem condition (MS-65 or better). This combination of visual drama, ease of authentication, and genuine scarcity has made the Knob on Ear one of the most sought-after Large Cent varieties, commanding substantial premiums across all grade levels.

Mint Errors on 1855 Large Cents

Error coins from the Braided Hair Cent series are popular with specialists. While major dramatic errors on 1855 cents are not commonly encountered, several error types are known and add premiums to the coin's value. The immense striking pressure required for large copper planchets, combined with the era's manufacturing limitations, made various types of errors inevitable.

Lamination Errors

Lamination errors are among the most frequently seen errors on Large Cents of this era. These flaws result from impurities or gas trapped within the copper planchet during the rolling process. When the coin is struck, these internal voids cause the metal to separate, creating a peeling or flaking appearance on the finished coin's surface. Minor laminations that appear as small surface separations may add a premium of $20-50 over the coin's base value. Large, dramatic peels that separate a significant portion of the planchet can increase value by $100 or more, depending on the severity and visual impact of the flaw.

Mint errors add premiums: laminations from planchet flaws, cuds from die breaks, off-center strikes from misalignment

Die Breaks and Cuds

The immense pressure required to strike Large Cents frequently caused the dies to crack and eventually break. Minor die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin and are common throughout the Braided Hair series—these add little to no value as they're nearly ubiquitous. However, when a piece of the die actually breaks off entirely, it creates a "cud"—a raised, unstruck area of metal at the coin's rim where the missing die metal allowed the planchet to squeeze up into the gap. The Knob on Ear variety is actually an example of a retained interior die break rather than a rim cud.

Other rim cuds are known on 1855 cents, particularly on the reverse where the rim meets the wreath. A significant rim cud, especially one affecting a large portion of the rim or extending into the design area, can add $50 to $150 or more to the coin's value. The larger and more dramatic the cud, the greater the premium among error collectors.

Off-Center Strikes

This error occurs when the planchet is not properly centered between the obverse and reverse dies during the striking process. The result is a coin with the design shifted off-center, showing a blank crescent of copper on one side. No specific auction records for 1855 off-center Large Cents were identified in available data, but they are a known error type for the series. The value premium depends heavily on two factors: the percentage of off-center displacement and whether the date remains fully visible.

A minor off-center strike showing 5-10% displacement with the full date visible might command a premium of $75-200 over the coin's normal value. A dramatic 40-50% off-center strike with the date still complete could be worth over $1,000 to specialists seeking visually impressive error pieces. Off-center strikes where the date is partially or completely missing are less valuable, as date verification becomes impossible without die variety attribution.

Authentication and Detecting Altered Coins

Properly evaluating an 1855 Large Cent requires careful attention to both authenticity and condition issues that can drastically affect value. The most common problems facing collectors are cleaned coins, environmental damage, and altered surfaces rather than outright counterfeits, though fakes do exist for high-value varieties.

Cleaned coins show unnatural color, hairline scratches, and lack of original luster

Detecting improper cleaning is the most critical skill for Large Cent collectors. Cleaning, even when skillfully done, permanently damages a coin's surface and destroys its numismatic value. Third-party grading services will either return cleaned coins in "Details" holders or reject them entirely. Key indicators of cleaning include unnatural color—a uniform, lifeless appearance, sometimes pinkish or orange, rather than the deep lustrous brown of naturally toned copper. Hairlines are another telltale sign: fine, parallel scratches visible under magnification, caused by abrasive cleaning methods. Look for lack of original luster, especially in the fields, while protected areas around stars and lettering may appear unnaturally dull. Traces of polish or cleaning agents may be visible in design crevices.

Beyond cleaning, examine coins for post-mint damage. Common issues include rim bumps from being dropped, scratches or gouges from circulation or mishandling, and pitting or surface roughness from environmental corrosion. Any of these problems will result in a "Details" or "Genuine" grade from grading services, severely limiting the coin's marketability and value. For copper coins, check carefully for verdigris—green copper corrosion—particularly in protected areas, as this indicates exposure to moisture or improper storage.

The Knob on Ear variety's popularity makes it a target for alteration attempts. Examine the "knob" feature carefully: it should be a naturally raised, rounded lump consistent with a die break, not a sharp addition or tooling mark. Under magnification, the knob should show the same surface characteristics as the surrounding metal. Any signs of added metal, solder, or tooling marks indicate tampering. For valuable specimens of any variety, professional third-party grading by PCGS or NGC provides authentication and encapsulation that protects against tampering and environmental damage.

When purchasing ungraded 1855 cents, especially in higher grades or of the Knob on Ear variety, insist on a return privilege and examine the coin carefully under magnification in good lighting. If spending more than a few hundred dollars, consider making the purchase contingent on successful third-party grading. Reputable dealers will accommodate such requests for significant purchases.

Preservation and Storage

Copper is among the most reactive metals used in coinage, making proper preservation essential for maintaining both the appearance and value of your 1855 Large Cent. The coin's color designation—and therefore a substantial portion of its value—can be permanently altered by improper storage or handling.

The cardinal rule for copper coins is: never clean them. Any attempt to clean, polish, or alter the surfaces will destroy the coin's numismatic value. Even gentle wiping can leave microscopic scratches that are visible under magnification. Original, untouched surfaces command premiums, while cleaned coins are often unsaleable or worth only a fraction of their potential value.

Store coins in inert, archival-quality holders. For high-value specimens, professional third-party grading by PCGS or NGC provides optimal protection in sonically sealed holders that prevent environmental contamination. For raw (ungraded) coins, use inert plastic flips or holders specifically designed for long-term coin storage. Avoid flexible PVC-based plastic holders—these can leach plasticizers over time that create green residue and damage copper surfaces. When in doubt, use hard plastic holders or non-PVC flips labeled as archival quality.

Environmental control is critical. Store coins in a cool, dry location with stable temperature and low humidity. Avoid basements prone to dampness or attics subject to temperature swings. High humidity accelerates oxidation—a Red (RD) coin improperly stored can lose its mint luster and transition to Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN), permanently reducing its value by hundreds or thousands of dollars. For valuable collections, consider using desiccant packets or climate-controlled storage.

Handle coins by their edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Natural oils and acids from skin contact can leave fingerprints that darken and become permanent over time. When examining coins, do so over a soft surface to prevent damage if dropped, and use proper lighting that allows full inspection without generating excessive heat near the coin.

Recent Auction Results

Auction results provide real-world market data for 1855 Large Cents, particularly for high-grade specimens and rare varieties where published price guides may lack recent comparable sales. The following records demonstrate the premiums commanded by superior examples and scarce varieties.

A 1855 Upright 55 N-1 variety in MS-64 BN realized $1,610 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2012. This represents a significant premium over the standard price guide value of approximately $550 for a generic MS-64 BN Upright 55, reflecting either exceptional eye appeal, sharp strike quality, or collector interest in the specific Newcomb attribution.

An 1855 Upright 55 N-3 variety in MS-66 BN sold for $1,293 in 2015. While this sale price is actually below the current PCGS Price Guide value of $2,400 for MS-66 BN, it demonstrates that market conditions and the specific coin's eye appeal significantly influence realized prices. The N-3 die marriage is not particularly rare, and this coin may have exhibited flaws or weak strike that made it less desirable despite the numerical grade.

A rare 1855 Slanted 55 in MS-67 BN achieved $3,738 at auction in 2003. This result is particularly notable as MS-67 represents the highest grade recorded for this date and variety at the time. The coin's exceptional preservation and the scarcity of the Slanted 55 style in superb gem condition combined to produce this strong result. The sale occurred over two decades ago; inflation and increased collector interest suggest an MS-67 BN Slanted 55 today would likely command significantly more.

These auction records underscore several key market principles: first, that exceptional quality always commands premiums; second, that specific die varieties can affect value even within the same date and grade; and third, that market conditions, eye appeal, and strike quality create significant variation in realized prices around published guide values. When major auction houses offer high-grade 1855 cents, particularly of the scarce Knob on Ear variety or in exceptional Red (RD) color, results often exceed expectations due to competitive bidding among specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Methodology and Sources

This guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources to provide accurate valuations and comprehensive information about the 1855 Large Cent. Price data is drawn primarily from the PCGS Price Guide and NGC Coin Explorer, supplemented by documented auction results from Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers Galleries. Historical specifications and mintage figures are sourced from official U.S. Mint records and standard numismatic references including the Red Book.

Die variety information follows the Newcomb attribution system as documented in specialized Large Cent references. Grading standards conform to guidelines published by PCGS and NGC, the industry's leading third-party grading services. All auction records cited include the source and date when available.

Market values fluctuate based on overall collector demand, economic conditions, and the availability of high-quality specimens. The values presented represent retail prices collectors should expect to pay from reputable dealers as of October 2025. Wholesale prices (what dealers pay) are typically 30-50% lower. Auction results can vary significantly from published guides based on the specific coin's eye appeal, strike quality, and competitive bidding dynamics. This guide should be used as a starting point for valuation; for significant purchases or sales, consult current market data and consider professional appraisal.