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A TYPE SET OF LARGE CENTS

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 Cent1793 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.

Approximate cost: VF $35,000; AU50 $95,000; MS60 $225,000


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.

Approximate cost: VF $10,000; AU50 $35,000; MS60 $55,000


1794 Large Cent1794 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.

Approximate cost: VF $2,000; AU50 $7,500; MS60 $15,000


1797 Large Cent1797 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.

Approximate cost: VF $3,000; AU50 $12,500; MS60 $27,500


1814 Large Cent1814 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.

Approximate cost: VF $750; AU50 $3,500; MS60 $8,600; MS63 $15,000


1837 Large Cent1818 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.

Aproximate cost: VF $45; AU50 $350; MS60 $450; MS63 $1,000


1837 Large Cent 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.

Approximate cost: VF $65; AU50 $200; MS60 $325; MS63 $750


1855 Large Cent1855 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.

Approximate cost: VF $38; AU50 $132; MS60 $200; MS63 $550

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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