In an effort to understand the influence of cryogenic environment on the friction and wear properties of metallic materials, we performed a series of experiments on high purity work hardened copper (Cu) samples in liquid nitrogen (LN2) environment against steel (bearing grade; SAE 52100) at varying loads and sliding speeds. The load was varied between 10 and 20 N and sliding speed was varied between 0.89 and 1.34 m/s. In our experiments, a reduction in the steady state coefficient of friction (mu(F)) was noted with increasing load (10, 15, 20 N) at the highest sliding speed of 1.34 m/s. High wear rate of the order of 10(-4) mm(3)/Nm was recorded, which was found to be independent of the load/sliding speed. On the basis of the experimental data and the characteristics of the worn surfaces it is confirmed that significant damage accumulation and plowing-induced material removal contribute to the wear losses. It is noteworthy that oxidative wear or mechanically mixed layer (no transfer from steel counter-body) did not occur to any significant extent under the chosen sliding conditions. The characteristics of the wear damage as a result of cryogenic sliding have been discussed with reference to the prevailing stress conditions and contact temperature.