1855

The Braided Hair Large Cent, sometimes called a late date cent, was minted from 1839-1857.  These coins are about the size of a modern half dollar and were made entirely of copper.   As prices for copper rose throughout the 1850's, the government decided that a new and cheaper alternative was needed.  Even in the 19th century, the cost of materials involved in the manufacture of coins was part of the conversation.  This sounds much like the current debate about cost in keeping our modern pennies. 

Designed by Christian Gobrect, this last version of the large cent survived throughout the most of the 1850's but was last minted along with the new Flying Eagle Cent in 1857.  Below is an example of a one cent piece I picked up at the coin shop minted in 1855.

According to in the Yeomen Coin Guide book, these coins were unpopular and hardly circulated outside of larger cities.   Today, it would seem very impractical to use such a large coin for small transactions.  I would image that citizens in the 1850's felt the same way, as the smaller cents became very widely used.  Below is a scan of the reverse or tails side of the coin.

 

The 1855 had a mintage of 1,574,829 and a coin of this age and condition can be purchased for less than $30.  For a coin nearing 160 years old, it's a fun a inexpensive way to add an older piece to your collection.