1857
This year, the Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court ruled the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional. The Sepoy Rebellion also began in India. Charles Darwin first presented his thoughts on evolution and natural selection in letters to Asa Gray. The Mardi Gras started, complete with decorated floats, in New Orleans. Half a world apart, William Kelly of Pennsylvania and Henry Bessemer of England develop improved processes for making steel. Their processes would be combined and called the "Bessemer Process."
This was the last year large cents and half cents were struck for circulation. Congress passed legislation on February 21, 1857, providing for a new smaller cent. The era of large copper cents in American commerce had passed.
Large cent mintage for the year was only 333,456 pieces, the fewest struck in a year since 1809. Half cent mintage was a mere 35,180. According to the Mint Director, Snowden, many of these half cents and cents were melted. Many, however, were saved and coppers from this date are not rare. In fact, a low grade 1857 cent or half cent is much rarer today than a high grade one, as these coins were generally kept and did not circulate.
The National Numismatic Collection contains 3 half cents and 4 large cents. There is one proof large cent, 1857 N-5, and one proof half cent, 1857 C-1(1), in the collection. Both came from the Mint Collection.
HALF CENTS CENTS