Large
Cents of the United States were issued every year from
1793 to 1857 except for 1815 because of a fire at the Mint.
During this time there were seven major design types. The
first three types, the Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse; the
Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse; and the Liberty Cap, were
all issued in 1793. Since the latter was the only design
that lasted for more than a few months, it is clear that
the first two designs were deemed unsatisfactory. The other
Large Cents were the Draped Bust, issued
from 1796 to 1807, the Classic Head from 1808 to 1814, the
Matron Head and its modification from 1816 to 1839, and
the Liberty Head or Braided Hair from 1839 to 1857. Although
there are rarities within each type, the earlier dates are
much less available than the later ones. There are 7 different
major design types of Large Cents in which
to begin a type set.
Today we look at Large Cents
as beautiful and romantic. The people who used them would
probably have disagreed. The coins were almost half dollar
sized and heavy. Their size and weight made them impractical
to use in any volume. A pocket full was inconvenient, but
one only needed two to buy a pound of sugar in the early
1800s in Philadelphia. The United States Large Cents
also became the workhorse of the economy and the backbone
of United States Numismatics. The collectors collectors
collect large cents. In short, large cents are numismatics,
large cents are America.
1793
Chain Cent -
Henry Voigt designed the FLOWING HAIR, Chain Reverse
(1793) Large Cent. The AMERICA subtype is actually
a correction of the first cent that has AMERI. because
of a spacing error. The obverse shows a profile of
Liberty looking to the right. Her hair is untied,
hence the designation Flowing Hair. LIBERTY is above
the portrait and the date is below. Contemporary critics
said that Miss Liberty appeared to be “in a
fright.” The reverse shows a fifteen-links chain
motif, intended to represent the unity of the Union,
with each link representing a state at the time; however,
contemporaries viewed the chain as symbolic of slavery.
Within the chain is the denomination ONE CENT on two
lines with the fraction 1/100 below. The legend UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA is at the periphery. The rims are
raised on both sides, and there are no beads or dentils.
The edge is designed with a Vine-and-Bars pattern.
This well struck 1793 Chain
Cent is the period after date variety. Unlike
most Chain cents, Liberty’s hair and the date
are distinct. The reverse of this coin is sharper
than the obverse, which is typical for the type. All
of the letters in the legends are bold and clear.
The chain is so bold that it pops off the coin. The
surfaces show microscopic porosity, more so on the
obverse. They are virtually free of abrasion marks
or other distractions with just one tiny tick in the
center below Liberty’s ear, mentioned for the
sake of accuracy. The surfaces are original with no
tooling or burnishing, which is often found on coins
of this era. In its population report, PCGS shows
8 in VF30 with 14 better. At NGC there is 1 in VF
with 4 better. These numbers do not account for crossovers
or resubmissions.
On the S-4 variety, both LIBERTY and
the date are followed by a period. Both are also closely
spaced. On the reverse the word AMERICA is spelled
out. The fraction bar is distant from the denominator
compared to the numerator and high. The 1793 S-4 cent
has an R3+ rarity rating.
1793
Wreath Cent - Voigt also designed
the FLOWING HAIR, Wreath Reverse (1793) Large Cent.
The obverse shows a profile of Liberty looking to
the right. Her hair is untied, hence the designation
Flowing Hair. LIBERTY is above the portrait and the
date is below. Under the truncation and above the
date is a sprig of three leaves. The reverse shows
a wreath of two olive branches that enclose the denomination
written as ONE CENT. The branches are tied at the
bottom with a ribbon. Between the ends of the ribbon
and the rim is the fraction 1/100. Around the wreath
is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The edge
is decorated with either a vine and bars pattern or
lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.
This eye-appealing 1793 Large
Cent is one of the Vine and Bars Edge varieties.
The coin is a lovely light chocolate brown that is
slightly darker on the lower left obverse and most
of the reverse. The colors attest to the coin’s
originality. Except for a very small area of micro-porosity
at the date, the surfaces are clean, hard, and glossy
with no abrasion marks worthy of individual description.
Most of Liberty’s hair and the wreath details
are strong. The raised beads on the borders are distinct
except for the portion above CA in AMERICA. A long
die crack is present across the reverse, which is
diagnostic for the variety. In its population report,
PCGS shows that 29 Vine and Bars Wreath cents have
been certified in XF40 condition; however, only 7
of the S-8 variety have been certified higher than
the present coin.
The S-8 variety is identified by the
horizontal stem of the sprig of three leaves, slightly
curved, that parallels the top of the numerals of
the date. On all other Wreath cents, the stem points
downward. In addition the 7 is taller than the other
numbers. There is a faint die crack from the point
of the bust to the edge and two short ones from the
top left of the Y in LIBERTY and the top right of
the R to the border. The 9 and 3 are poorly formed
when combined with this reverse. On the reverse, the
upper outside trefoil on the left side is under the
first T in STATES. The bow is heavy and shaped almost
like a triangle. The fraction bar is curved and long
as it almost touches both ribbons. A long, thin die
break is present across the coin from the first T
in STATES to the last A in AMERICA. This die break,
which is very delicate, runs through the center dot.
1794
Large Cent - The LIBERTY CAP (1793-1796)
Large Cent was designed by Joseph Wright and modified
by John Smith Gardner. It shows a head of Liberty
in profile facing right. Her hair falls in separated
strands behind her shoulder. The wavy hair from her
forehead is brushed back. A Phrygian or Liberty cap
is in on a pole over her left shoulder. The end of
the pole is visible alongside of the bust. The reverse
shows an open wreath of laurel tied with a bow. Within
the wreath, on two lines, is the denomination, ONE
CENT. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds
the wreath at the periphery. At the bottom, between
the ribbon ends is the fraction 1/100. There are dentils
on both sides of the coin; the edge is lettered ONE
HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR, followed by a single leaf, or
it is reeded.
This Choice VF 1794 Large
Cent has lovely, hard, light brown surfaces
that are original and clean for the grade with few
abrasion marks none of which are worthy of individual
description. Liberty’s hair is worn, but shows
detail, especially in the back of the neck. The dentils
are strong on the obverse. The CAC sticker indicates
that this coin is a premium quality piece that fully
merits the grade assigned. In its population report,
NGC shows this coin, the S-28 in VF condition, tied
with 3 others with 1 better. CAC does not distinguish
Large Cents of this date by die variety.
The S-28 die variety is identified
by the position of LIBERTY, which is very high near
the rim. Hair locks 3,4,5,6, and 8 all end in vertical
lines. The date is wide and evenly spaced. The reverse
shows a very tiny berry at the top of the highest
leaf stem, a curled tail to the R in AMERICA, and
a single leaf under the I in AMERICA.
1797
Large Cent - The DRAPED BUST
(1796-1807) Large Cent was designed by Robert
Scot. It shows Liberty in profile facing right. Her
hair is tied with a ribbon in the back but most of
it falls to her shoulder with a curl below the truncation.
Each strand of hair ends in a curl. LIBERTY is above
and the date is below. The design was based on a drawing
by Gilbert Stuart that was first used on some silver
dollars of 1795 and later used on half-cents of 1800
to 1808. The reverse shows an open wreath of laurel
tied with a bow. Within the wreath, on two lines,
is the denomination, ONE CENT. The legend UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA surrounds the wreath at the periphery.
At the bottom, between the ribbon ends is the fraction
1/100.
This eye-appealing, glossy, brown
Large Cent comes with the provenance
of the Paul Gerrie Collection. The near-Uncirculated
coin is completely original and clean, with virtually
no abrasion marks or other distractions. Just a trace
of wear on the highest points keeps this beauty from
a Mint State grade. Hints of original red are found
on both sides as well as mint luster within the devices.
The strike is above average with full details on Liberty’s
hair behind her forehead. The CAC sticker tells us
that this is a premium quality piece that fully deserves
the assigned grade. In its population report, PCGS
shows 1, 1797 S-138 in AU58 condition with 1 better.
As of June 2013, CAC shows 1, the present coin, confirmed
at the AU58 grade level.
The S-138 variety is indentified by
the placement of LIBERTY. The left foot of the R touches
the highest wave of hair. The point of the curl is
under the center of the upright of the B. The B is
perfect, and there is an engraver’s scratch
from its upper serif to over the I. The junction of
the hair and forehead is under the center of the upright
of the T. The 1 in the date is close to the hair,
and the right top of the 7 almost touches the drapery.
On the reverse, the right stem points just past the
final A in AMERICA and bisects the C diagonally. The
left stem points to the left foot of the left stand
of the N in UNITED. There is a swelling in the upper
right portion of the coin, which weakens the last
letters in STATES OF and the first letter in AMERICA.
1814
Large Cent - John Reich designed the
CLASSIC HEAD (1808-1814) Large Cent.
The design shows a curly headed Liberty wearing a
LIBERTY inscribed head band in profile, facing left.
Seven six-pointed stars are to the left and six are
to the right with the date below the truncation. The
reverse has a closed wreath of laurel tied with a
ribbon. Within the wreath is the denomination ONE
CENT written on two lines with a center dot and a
horizontal line below. Surrounding the wreath is the
legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Dentils are at the
periphery of both sides.
Dark chocolate and gray-brown mix
on the surfaces of this VF 1814 Classic Head Large
Cent. The hair in front of and below Liberty’s
ear is very plain. Above her eye it is outlined with
some detail, and her eyebrow is well developed. Significant
detail is seen on the leaves of the wreath.
Unlike many Large Cents
of this date, the dentils are sharp and consistent,
most of the stars have strong centers, and the hair
and leaf details are also strong. The planchet is
hard, lacking the porosity often seen because of poor
copper stock that was used during the War of 1812.
The CAC sticker indicates that the coin is a premium
quality piece that fully deserves the assigned grade.
In its population report, as of July 2013, CAC shows
1 1814 Crosslet 4, the present coin, confirmed at
the VF30 grade level.
1818
Large Cent - The LIBERTY
HEAD, Matron Head (1816-1835) Large Cent was designed
by Robert Scot. It shows a left-facing profile of
Liberty with her hair tied with plain cords. She wears
a LIBERTY inscribed coronet, and she is surrounded
by thirteen six-pointed stars with the date below.
The reverse shows a closed wreath of laurel within
which is the denomination written on two lines as
ONE CENT. Around the wreath is the inscription UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA. Dentils are on both sides of the
coin, and the edge is plain.
This is an eye-appealing, problem-free
1818 Large Cent. The surfaces, which
are clean for the grade. The colors indicate the coin’s
originality. It has an above average strike with full
details on to top and left most stars, the hair above
Liberty’s ear, and the leaves on the left of
the reverse wreath. The dentils are sharp and regular
on both sides. The CAC sticker lets us know that the
coin is a premium quality piece that fully merits
the assigned grade. In its population report, as of
June 2013, CAC has confirmed 1 1818 Large Cent at
the AU50 grade level.
1837 Large Cent
- The LIBERTY HEAD, Matron Head Modified (1835-1839):
The “Young Head” Large Cent was designed
by Christian Gobrecht. During this time Gobrecht experimented
with various modifications of the portrait of Liberty.
These include the Matron Head of 1835 to 1837 with Medium
and Small Letters, the 1837 with Plain and Beaded hair
cords, the 1837 with the Head of 1838, and the 1839
“Silly Head” and “Booby Head.”
The Silly Head is identified by a lock of hair that
extends at the forehead, and the Booby Head has an uncovered
shoulder tip.
This Superb Gem 1837
Large Cent comes with the provenance of the
famous Naftzger Collection. It is tied for the finest
known at PCGS, NGC, and CAC. The coin is a light chocolate
brown with highlights of blue, orange, and gold. These
colors prove the coin’s originality. The surfaces
are hard, glossy, and pristine, as expected for a coin
of this magnitude. Other than die cracks, which do not
diminish the grade, the surfaces are immaculate even
with the aid of magnification. The vibrancy of this
piece cannot be overstated. It sparkles with the lovely
sheen of bright mint luster.
The strike is incredible
with full details on all but one of the stars, Liberty’s
hair, and leaves of the wreath. The dentils are strong
on both sides. The CAC sticker confirms that the coin
is of premium quality and fully deserves the assigned
grade. In its population report, PCGS shows the present
coin, the 1837 N-9 and two others in MSBN66 condition
with none finer. At NGC there is only 1 in MSBN66 condition.
These numbers do not account for crossovers and resubmissions.
At CAC, as of June 2013, there are 4 Head of 1738 Large
Cents confirmed in MSBN66 condition; however, CAC does
not distinguish among die varieties for Large Cents.
The 1837 N-9 variety
is identified by beaded hair cords. The date is close
with a tall 1 that is near the bust. There are several
die cracks on the obverse. One is from the field to
the left of 1 in the date across the bust and hair to
Star 8. A second goes from the rim to Star 1 to Liberty’s
nose, forehead, and the bases between L and I in LIBERTY.
A forked crack is seen between Stars 7 and 8. Another
is seen from Star 12 to the rim near Star 11. The reverse
uses small letters. The first S in STATES is very low.
There is a die crack from the rim that touches the top
of the A in STATES to the wreath below the T and then
to the first A in AMERICA. A faint crack joins the bases
of AM and RI in AMERICA.
1855
Large Cent - The LIBERTY HEAD, Braided
Hair (1839-1857) Large Cent, also designed by Gobrecht,
loosely follows the pattern of the 1838 gold eagle,
which he also designed. From 1839 to part of 1843,
Liberty’s portrait is tilted forward. The left
tip of the truncation is over the 8 of the date. For
most of the rest of 1843 and the later dates, her
head is large and in a vertical position, with the
tip of her neck over the 1. The result is that the
earlier cents in this group appear to be more delicate.
Beginning in 1844, the reverse lettering was made
larger as well.
This near-Gem, slate-brown 1855 Large
Cent has Upright 55s as part of its date. Traces of
red outline Liberty’s head and some of the reverse
lettering. The colors show the coin’s originality.
The glossy surfaces are hard and clean with no abrasion
marks visible without magnification. The strike is
above average with full details on the coronet and
the leaves of the wreath. Unlike many cents of this
date, there are no flakes on the planchet to interrupt
the luster. The CAC sticker indicates that this is
a premium quality coin that fully deserves the designated
grade. The scuff mark in front of Liberty’s
neck is on the holder not the coin. In its population
report, as of June 2013, CAC has confirmed 11 1855
Large Cents Upright 55s at the MS64BN level.
These examples of Large Cents cover
all of the eight major design types. Of course a collection
of Large Cents can be more extensive by collecting
by date or die variety, but a type set is actually
an excellent way to begin. A collector of Large Cents
sits at the crossroads of numismatics, art, history,
and technology. It is a fascinating series with much
to offer.
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