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The Certified 1856 Large Cent with Slanted 5 variety graded AU53 by NGC represents a desirable example of late-series U.S. copper coinage. This coin hails from the final years of the large cent series, which spanned from 1793 to 1857, and features the well-known Braided Hair design. The “Slanted 5” variety refers to a distinctive numeral style in the date, where the “5” is sharply angled, making it a sought-after die variation among large cent specialists. Graded About Uncirculated 53 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin retains nearly all of its original detail with only slight friction on the highest points, and it stands as a premium example of pre-Civil War copper coinage.
By 1856, the U.S. Mint was preparing to phase out the large cent due to rising copper prices and the inconvenience of handling such sizable coins. These cents, composed of pure copper and measuring roughly 27.5 mm in diameter, were becoming economically unviable. The Mint had already begun experimenting with smaller, thinner cent designs, culminating in the Flying Eagle cent pattern of the same year. Thus, the 1856 Braided Hair large cent belongs to the final chapter of a coinage tradition that began in the earliest days of the Republic. Although large cent production officially ended in 1857, the 1856 issues are historically significant as transitional artifacts.
The obverse of the 1856 large cent features the Braided Hair portrait of Liberty, a refined and elegant rendering designed by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. Liberty faces left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” her hair pulled into a bun with cascading curls. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, symbolizing the original colonies, and the date “1856” appears prominently at the bottom. In the Slanted 5 variety, the digit “5” in the date is notably inclined forward, distinguishing it from the Upright 5 version also minted that year. In AU53 condition, the obverse retains sharp hair detail, strong facial contours, and clear definition in the stars and coronet, with only minor wear visible on the cheek and upper curls.
The reverse showcases the denomination “ONE CENT” encircled by a finely detailed laurel wreath, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” framing the perimeter. A denticled rim surrounds the entire design. In this grade, the reverse is crisp and nearly fully struck, with most of the leaf detail intact and only slight rubbing on the bow and leaf tips. The coin’s surfaces display the warm, chocolate brown toning characteristic of properly preserved mid-19th century copper, often accompanied by traces of luster in protected areas such as around the lettering and wreath recesses.
The “Slanted 5” variety of 1856 is well-documented and cataloged in numismatic literature, often differentiated from its counterpart, the Upright 5, due to subtle but notable distinctions in date punch style. Collectors pursuing date and variety sets of Braided Hair large cents seek out both versions, and the Slanted 5 is often considered the more visually distinctive. Die studies and specialized references confirm that both date styles were struck using different numeral punches and likely different die pairings, making variety attribution an appealing challenge for advanced copper collectors.
The Philadelphia Mint, which produced all large cents during the series’ duration, struck approximately 2,690,463 large cents in 1856. While this is not among the lowest mintages in the series, many 1856 cents saw heavy circulation. As a result, examples in About Uncirculated and higher grades are noticeably less common and command a premium, especially when certified and attributed to desirable varieties like the Slanted 5. AU53 is a high-end circulated grade, indicating the coin has seen only light handling, with much of the original sharpness and even some luster still present.
Certified by NGC, this example offers collectors the assurance of authenticity, accurate grading, and long-term preservation. The AU53 grade denotes a coin that is just short of Mint State, and NGC’s encapsulation ensures that the surfaces remain protected from environmental harm. For 19th-century copper coins, especially those prone to corrosion or cleaning damage, certified holders are especially valued for preserving both aesthetic quality and marketability. Coins at this level typically exhibit strong eye appeal with only faint high-point friction, no distracting marks, and a natural, attractive patina.
As one of the final Braided Hair large cents, the 1856 Slanted 5 issue carries historical weight. It circulated during a time of increasing industrialization, westward expansion, and political tension in the United States. Just one year later, the Mint would stop producing large cents altogether, marking a clear break in U.S. numismatic history. Holding a near-uncirculated example of this transitional coin provides collectors with a tangible link to that moment—when the U.S. coinage system was adapting to modern needs, and traditional large copper coins were being replaced by smaller, more economical alternatives.
In terms of appearance, an AU53 1856 Slanted 5 typically displays medium to rich brown surfaces with excellent definition in the obverse portrait and reverse wreath. Subtle traces of original mint red or luster may remain in the protected areas. The date and mintmarks (if present) are bold, and the surfaces are generally free of significant flaws, aside from faint cabinet friction or contact marks typical of the grade. For collectors focused on eye appeal, such coins represent an optimal balance between preservation, detail, and cost-effectiveness compared to Mint State pieces.
The Certified 1856 Large Cent Slanted 5 AU53 NGC is a standout specimen for any U.S. type collection, large cent set, or study of transitional coinage. It combines a desirable variety with high-grade preservation, all authenticated and graded by one of the most respected services in the numismatic industry. As one of the final large cents issued by the U.S. Mint—and with a date variety that adds collector interest—it holds enduring value and historical depth, making it both a wise acquisition and a fascinating artifact of mid-19th century American coinage.