1855 Braided Hair Half Cent

Though listed as an 1840-1857 series, Braided Hair half cents were struck only in Proof form during 1840-1848. These pure copper coins were minted for circulation only from 1849-1857, and in limited quantities. Only 56,500 Braided Hair half cents were struck in 1855, and the small percentage that exist today are in great demand among collectors. The obsolete denomination half cent was last struck 1-1/2 centuries ago in 1857, and is a treasured keepsake from pre-Civil War America.