Representative series imageLarge CentReference art may not show this exact date or mint.
Large Cent
U.S. collector price guide

1856 Large Cent

Denomination
Cent
Mint
P (Philadelphia)
Composition
100% copper
Mintage
2,690,463
Guide value by grade$22.00–$5,000
Reliable8 priced grades

This page has imported grade-level guide data and is ready for normal collector comparison.

Circulated$22.00
Gem uncirculated$5,000
Updated 2026-06-09published-guideHow the guide works →
Grade Ladder
$22$134$819$5.0kG-4VG-8F-12VF-20EF-40MS-62MS-63MS-65
Tab, hover, or tap a grade to see the price jump
Price by Grade
GradeQualityEst. Value
G-4Good
$22
VG-8Very Good
$30
F-12Fine
$45
VF-20Very Fine
$80
EF-40Extremely Fine
$165
MS-62Mint State
$550
MS-63Choice Uncirculated
$1,100
MS-65Gem Uncirculated
$5,000

Estimates from published guides and recent sold data. Grade is everything. Verify before you buy.

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What to do next
Check the gradeValue changes by condition. Compare the grade ladder before using the headline estimate.
Watch melt valueFor silver or gold issues, melt value can become the practical floor.
Verify before buyingUse methodology, source confidence, and recent comps before making purchase decisions.
Common Questions

What is the 1856 Large Cent worth?

Current guide estimates on this page range from $22.00 to $5,000 depending on grade.

Why does grade matter for the 1856 Large Cent?

Coin value can change sharply by condition. Use the grade ladder and price-by-grade table before relying on any single headline estimate.

Does melt value affect the 1856 Large Cent?

This page does not show a meaningful melt floor for this coin, but silver and gold issues can have metal value that affects lower-grade outcomes.

Survivor's LedgerNo. cs_us_cent_large-cent_1856_p_none
170years survived since minting
Minted
1856
Denomination
Cent
Composition
100% copper
Mintage
2,690,463

Deeper history for the Large Cent series is still being researched. Know this one? Help us write it →

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Guide record
Grade and metal context

Use the grade ladder, pricing confidence, and melt floor together before making a buying decision.

Read methodology →
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Better price data, a variety we missed, or a mintage correction? Collectors make this guide accurate.

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