I have been trying to complete a set of large cents, 1816 to 1856, for under $15 each. (I'm just aiming for one of each year, not each variety). I know I won't get the 1823 for this price, but I have managed to get all the rest except one: 1855. I don't know why but I just can't get this coin. I have bid on probably 20 different versions on eBay and I get outbid every time. This coin isn't worth any more that most other large cents from the target era, so it is something of a mystery. The big difference I have seen though is that there are very few 1855s in poor condition. Obviously if I'm paying $15 a coin, I'm not going after the pristine ones, and I have always been able to find a decent, affordable coin for every year, but it seems like every 1855 is in teriffic shape. This probably sounds weird, but I wish there were some more worn ones out there so I could finally finish this collection off.
I hear ya... I have the same problem with the last 3 years I need to complete my Canadian large cents.
Think about it like this -- they only had 2 years to circulate. I seem to recall that they were recalled by the mint when the FEC came out. Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't have trouble with 56 and 57 in that price range, for the same reason.
1855 is a tough year because there are a few varieties most people neglect to recognize, especially on Ebay, so they get picked off by those who know what they're looking for. For me, I've been looking for a 55 slanted 55 with knob for years, but only find poor examples online. Guy
I finally won the 1855 today. With shipping, it was $15.72. I really didn't expect to win it because bidding was up to within $1.50 of my maximum bid more than a day before the auction closed, and most people bid right at the end. Somehow I lucked out on this one.
