Cents and Half Cents were the first coins struck for circulation by the United States Mint. Coinage began in 1793 with laws specifying that the cent should weigh exactly twice as much as the half cent. Large Cents are dated every year from 1793 to 1857 with the exception of 1815, when a lack of copper prevented production.
All were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. Mintage records in some cases may be inaccurate, as many of the early pieces were struck later than the dates shown on the coins. Varieties listed are those most significant to collectors. Numerous other die varieties may be found because each of the early dies was individually made. Values of varieties not listed in this guide depend on collector interest, rarity, and demand.
Proof large cents were first made in 1817; all Proofs are rare, as they were not made available to the general public before the mid-1850s.
1785 Bar Cent PCGS AU50. Bar Cent. A Top 100 U.S. Coin. Legendary for its simple symbolism. The 'USA' monogram is seen on the obverse, while the reverse shows 13 bars...More
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(Circa 1785) Bar Cent PCGS VF35 CAC. ( AKA Bar Copper ). This lustrous, undated, colonial, original copper of circa 1785 Bar Cent has a predominantly even, light tan color...More
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1793 Chain 1 Cent America - 1793 Chain 1c America PCGS VF20, S-3. This is a more than pleasing, midrange, circulated example of the classic 1793 Flowing Hair, Chain...More
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1793 Chain Cent - 1793 Chain America Cent NGC VF20BN. 1793 Chain AMERICA Cent, S-2, R4+. This evenly toned, brown, problem free Chain America cent is the Wide Date...More
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AMERICA VARIETY. S-3. WELL STRUCK. This is a more than pleasing, midrange, circulated example of the classic 1793 Flowing Hair, Chain America cent. This 1793 Chain AMERICA 1C NGC AU55 BN is appealing to those assembling a set of all major design types. It also needs to be considered by anyone interested collecting Large cents by date or type. It most certainly appeals to collectors of early copper in general.More
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1793 Chain Cent - 1793 Chain Cent, Periods, PCGS VF30. S-4, R3+. This well struck 1793 Chain Cent is the period after date variety. Unlike most Chain cents, Libertys hair and the date are...More
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This eye-appealing 1793 Wreath Large Cent is a Vine and Bars variety. The coin is fully lustrous, the colors and luster show its originality. The surfaces are hard and clean with few visible abrasion marks or other distractions. Sufficient separation exists in the strands of Libertys hair and among the elements of the wreath to confirm the grade. The coins overall appearance is eye catching and attractive, the way most collectors wished their Wreath Cent looked.More
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1793 Wreath 1C, Vine & Bars, NGC MS64 BN. S-8, R3. This captivating, near-Gem 1793 Vine & Bars Wreath Cent, S-8 variety is the finest known at NGC and tied for the finest known at PCGS. This is the finest specimen graded by NGC.
1793 Wreath Cent, Vine and Bars Edge, S-8, R3-, PCGS XF40 - 1793 Wreath 1C, Vine and Bars Edge PCGS XF40. This eye-appealing 1793 Large cent is one of the Vine...More
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1794 Large Cent - 1794 1C NGC VF30 BN. S-63, R3. This scarce variety 1794 Liberty Cap Large Cent has generally hard surfaces with uniform, darker toning in the fields...More
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1794 Large Cent - 1794 Head of 1795 - 1794 1C NGC VG8 BN. For the grade, the surfaces of this 1794 Large Cent are in excellent condition. They are light...More
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1794 1 Cent Head of 94 (1794 1C Head of 94) NGC F12 BN. This chocolate and dark brown 1794 Large Cent shows about two-thirds of Libertys hair from the top of her head...More
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1794 Large Cent, Head of 1794 NGC VF35 BN CAC - 1794 1 Cent, Head of 1794, S-28, R2+. This Choice VF 1794 Large Cent has lovely, hard, light brown surfaces that are original...More
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1795 Half Cent - 1795 1/2C Lettered Edge PCGS VF35 CAC. Only 14 Lettered Edge 1795 Half Cents (The Little Half Sisters) have been approved by CAC...More
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1795 Cent - 1795 1c Plain Edge, PCGS XF45 CAC, S-76B. Hard, chocolate brown surfaces characterize this Plain Edge 1795 Large Cent. The surfaces are also original and clean...More
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1795 Large Cent - 1795 1C Plain Edge PCGS AU58 CAC. 1795 Large Cent, Plain Edge, S-78. This eye-appealing near-Mint State, Plain Edge, Liberty Cap 1795 Large Cent...More
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1797 Early Cent (1797 Large Cent) PCGS AG03 CAC. This Large Cent variety of 1797 is graded AG-03. LIBERTY and the date are readable on the obverse, and the reverse...More
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1797 Large Cent - 1797 1C PCGS AU58 CAC. 1797 Large Cent, S-138. This eye-appealing, glossy, brown Large Cent comes with the provenance of the Paul Gerrie Collection...More
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1798/7 Large Cent - 1798/7 1C, S-152, R2+, NGC AU58 BN. In its population report, NGC shows no 1798 overdate S-152 graded above VF and, similarly, PCGS shows none graded above AU53. The present piece, graded AU58 BN, is the finest certified specimen obtainable.
1799 Large Cent - 1799 1 Cent PCGS VF20 CAC. This key-to-the-series, chocolate brown Draped Bust 1799 Large Cent has good surfaces and none of the granularity that usually is seen for this date...More
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1799 Large Cent - 1799 Large 1 Cent NGC VF20 BN, S-189. The deep brown color of this rare 1799 Large Cent is uniform on both sides. While the hair above Libertys forehead is outlined...More
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1799 Lage Cent - 1799 1C PCGS FR02 CAC. This circulated 1799 Large Cent is identifiable by date and type. The surfaces show moderate porosity and extensive wear, in keeping with...More
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1799 Large Cent, PCGS VG10 - 1799 1 Cent PCGS VG10, S-189, R2+. This rare, chocolate brown 1799 Large Cent is the key to the series and King of the Draped Bust large cents...More
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1799 Large Cent - 1799 1C, S-189, PCGS AG03 CAC. 1799 Large Cent, Regular Date, S-189, R2+. This obviously identifiable but worn 1799 Large Cent has devices...More
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1799 Large Cent - 1799 Large 1C S-189, High R-2, PCGS VF30 CAC. A lovely example of the key date in the large cent series. A favorite among numismatists since the 19th century, only...More
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1799 Large Cent 1799 Large 1 Cent S-189 NGC VF20BN. This is a classic key date in the large cent series. Problem-fee examples such as this 1799 Large Cent , are always in demand...More
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1799 Large Cent - 1799 1C PCGS VF30. S-189. This rare, nicely toned 1799 Draped Bust Large Cent has chocolate brown devices over darker brown fields. The colors...More
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1799/8 Large Cent - 1799/8 Large 1C PCGS G6, S-188, R-4. This 1799/8 Large Cent is a pleasing, representative of the rare overdate. As with almost all 18th century United States...More
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1799/8 Large Cent - 1799/8 1C PCGS VG10. S-188, R4. This rare 1799/8 Large Cent is a mixture of olive brown and chocolate with the latter being more prominent on the devices of both sides...More
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1802 Large Cent - 1802 1C PCGS VF35 CAC. S-232. This mainly chocolate brown 1802 Large Cent has hard, glossy surfaces. The hair above Libertys forehead...More
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1803 Large Cent - 1803 1C Small Date PCGS AU53 CAC. Small Fraction, S-251. Hard, chocolate brown and dark brown glossy surfaces characterize this 1803 Large Cent...More
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1808/7 Draped Bust 1/2c PCGS AU58 BN. Overdate. Very rare overdate. Rarity-3. This is the only AU58 BN being graded at PCGS. Only 1 MS64 Plus higher at PCGS.
1812 1 Cent - 1812 1C Large Date PCGS F12 CAC, S-288. This 1812 Classic Head large cent is toned an even chocolate brown throughout on both sides. This 1812 1 Cent...More
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1814 Large Cent - 1814 1C Crosslet 4 PCGS VF30 CAC. S-294, B-1 R.1. Dark chocolate and gray-brown mix on the surfaces of this VF 1814 Classic Head Large Cent...More
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1818 Large Cent - 1818 1c PCGS AU50 CAC. This is an eye-appealing, problem-free 1818 Large Cent. The surfaces, which are clean for the grade, are a mixture of light chocolate...More
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1825 Large Cent - 1825 1C PCGS XF45 CAC. This eye-appealing, chocolate and dark brown 1825 Matron Head Large Cent has hard, glossy surfaces that are clean for the grade...More
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1825 Half Cent - 1825 1/2C PCGS MS64BN CAC. This exceptional, near-Gem Classic Head 1825 half cent is tied for the second finest known at both PCGS and CAC. The coin...More
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1832 Half Cent - 1832 C PCGS MS62 BN, CAC. Here is a lovely Mint State, light brown Classic Head 1832 Half Cent that has original luster within its devices. The surfaces...More
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1833 1/2C Half Cent, NGC PF64 BN Ex: Eliasberg - Proof early copper is among the rarest and most appealing series of all American Proof coins...More
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1837 Large Cent - 1837 1C, Head of 1838, PCGS MS66BN CAC, N-9. This Superb Gem 1837 Large Cent comes with the provenance of the famous Naftzger Collection. It is tied for...More
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1839 Large Cent - 1839 Large Cent, Booby Head, N-5, R3, PCGS MS63 BN, CAC. This eye-appealing 1839 Large Cent has light brown fields with darker brown outlining...More
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1839 Large Cent, Silly Head - 1839 1 Cent Silly Head NGC XF45 BN CAC. N-4. This dark chocolate-brown 1839 Large Cent is one of the Silly Head varieties, so named because...More
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1841 Large Cent - 1841 1C PCGS MS64BN CAC. This near-Gem 1841 Braided Hair Large Cent has excellent lustrous surfaces that are deep chocolate brown with hints of orange...More
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1845 1c SS New York (1845 SS New York Large Cent) NGC SE Unc. This brown, shipwreck effect, uncirculated large cent has a full strike. The coin shows full details on the stars...More
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1846 Large Cent - 1846 1C, Small Date, PCGS MS64 BN (Brown) CAC. This near-Gem Small Date 1846 Large Cent shows clean, hard, lustrous surfaces with brown devices...More
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1849 Half Cent - 1849 C, Large Date, PCGS AU55 CAC. This problem-free, appealing Choice AU 1849 Half Cent has hard, glossy, red-brown surfaces. The color indicates...More
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1849 Half Cent - 1849 C Large Date, C-1, NGC AU58 BN, CAC. This near-Uncirculated 1849 Half Cent has hard surfaces and original mint luster within its devices...More
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1855 Large Cent - 1855 1c, Upright 55, PCGS MS64 BN CAC. This near-Gem, slate-brown 1855 Large Cent has Upright 55s as part of its date. Traces of red outline Libertys...More
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1856 Large Cent - 1856 1C, Slanted 5, PCGS MS64 BN CAC. Here is a near-Gem 1856 Large Cent, Slanted 5 that is original with medium brown and traces of blue coloring...More
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1856 Large Cent - 1856 1 Cent, Slanted 5, NGC MS65 BN CAC. Original mint red outlines the devices on the obverse of this Gem 1856 Large Cent, which is tied for the finest known...More
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1857 Cents (1857 1C) PCGS MS65. Snow-2, FS-401b (FS-001). Type of 1856. Both sides exhibit crisp striking detail and smooth, satiny luster. Otherwise pinkish-rose in color, a splash of light-red tinting is evident on the obverse over the eagle`s right wing...More
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This eye-appealing 1793 Wreath Large Cent is a Vine and Bars variety. The coin is fully lustrous, the colors and luster show its originality. The surfaces are hard and clean with few visible abrasion marks or other distractions. Sufficient separation exists in the strands of Libertys hair and among the elements of the wreath to confirm the grade. The coins overall appearance is eye catching and attractive, the way most collectors wished their Wreath Cent looked.
1861 Confederate 1C Restrike PCGS PR-65RB. A true gem, this confederate cent only saw ca. 12 original pieces struck in 1861. This was done by Philadelphia engraver and die-sinker...More
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1861 1C Bashlow Restrike Token, NGC MS67. This Confederate token restrike gleams with bright mint luster on both sides. The obverse shows dark tan and brown...More
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1862 3CS PCGS AU55 CAC. Civil War Three-Cent Silver. This 1862 three-cent silver or trime shows some mint luster under the toning, especially so on the reverse...More
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1862 1C Indian (1862 Indian Cent) PCGS MS63. Civil War Coin. This mint state, lustrous, Civil War 1862 Indian Cent comes in an OGH (old green holder). Unlike typical...More
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1863 Indian Cent (1863 Indian 1C) PCGS MS63 CAC. This satiny, highly lustrous 1863 1 C copper-nickel cent has superior eye appeal and a bold strike...More
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1864 Copper Nickel 1C (1864 Indian Cent Copper Nickel) NGC MS63 CAC. This is another CAC grade-verified MS-63 1864 Indian Head Cent from NGC, copper-nickel composition...More
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1864 1C Bronze No L Indian Cent, Struck 15% Off Center AU58 PCGS. 1864 Indian Cent, Bronze, No L, Struck 15% Off Center. Here is a near-Uncirculated, Civil War dated 1864...More
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1864 Indian Cent PCGS MS63 RB, Bronze. A very nice and affordable Civil War cent, in uncirculated condition with a considerable amount of original Mint red still remaining...More
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1864 Indian Cent, Bronze - 1864 Indian 1C Bronze, PCGS MS63 RB CAC. This Select Uncirculated, Civil War dated, red and brown 1864 bronze Indian cent is mainly red and has...More
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1865 2 Cent (1865 2C) PCGS MS63 RB. Civil War Coin. This Civil War two-cent piece shows light brown toning on the central portion of the obverse and rim...More
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1865 1C Fancy 5 Indian Cent Double Struck PCGS VF20. This Civil War dated Indian 1865 Error Cent is double struck. This 1865 Indian Cent Error is a pleasant chocolate...More
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1870 ANS 2 Cent NGC PF66 RB CAC - 1870 2C ANS Collection, NGC PF66RB, CAC. Here is a superb, Gem proof 1870 two-cent piece that has as its provenance the American...More
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1876 20C PCGS PF65. 1876 Liberty Seated Twenty-Cent Piece. Designed by William Barber, the Twenty-Cent piece was a short-lived and failed experiment created....More
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1909-S Indian Cent - 1909-S Indian 1C, NGC MS66 RB CAC. This key date 1909-S Indian Cent is the finest known at CAC and tied for the finest known at NGC and PCGS...More
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1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln 1C PCGS MS64 BN CAC. Lovely toning. Looks Red Brown! CAC pop 1/0 for BN (4/2 including RB & RD). Pops are for BN. Popular variety. Arguably the finest in BN...More
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1943 Error Lincoln 1 cent, PCGS AU58. Struck on Silver Dime Planchet PCGS AU58 Treasured by collectors and error specialists alike, any off-metal 1943 cent is indeed special...More
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1955 Lincoln Cent, Doubled Die Obverse PCGS AU58 CAC. This mainly chocolate brown with touches of light orange, 1955 Lincoln Cent Double Die Obverse is lustrous and clean, for the grade...More
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1955 Lincoln (1955 Lincoln 1c) NGC MS64 RED CAC. 1955 1C Doubled Die Obverse. Mint luster shimmers from within the devices of this premium quality...More
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1961 1 Cent CSA Bashlow Restrikes 4 Piece Set, NGC MS65 RD, MS65, MS67. Here is a unique opportunity to acquire Bashlow CSA cent restrikes in an NGC set...More
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1961 CSA Copper 1C Bashlow Restrike Token NGC MS67 RD. This one cent copper, Confederate Bashlow Restrike Token is in superb mint red condition. The piece was...More
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1961 CSA Goldine 1C Bashlow Restrike Defaced Dies NGC MS68. This one cent Goldine, Confederate Goldine Bashlow Restrike is in superb mint condition. The piece was...More
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(ND) General Motors 1C P-4060 (M-1) NGC MS-63RB. Struck sometime between 1964 and 1969, these were made by General Motors in Warren, Michigan...More
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(ND) General Motors 1C P-4060 (R-5) ANACS MS-63RB. Struck sometime between 1964 and 1969, these were made by General Motors in Warren, Michigan...More
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(ND) General Motors 1C P-4060 (R-5) NGC AU58 BN. Struck sometime between 1964 and 1969, these were made by General Motors in Warren, Michigan...More
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(ND) General Motors 1C NGC MS63 RB. Struck sometime between 1964 and 1969, these were made by General Motors in Warren, Michigan. Undated (ca. 1967) General Motors...More
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1989 Cent - 1989 1C ANACS MS64 - 1989 1C Off-Center. Here is a red, near-Gem 1989 Lincoln cent that has been struck 10% off-center at 6:00. The coin is lustrous with virtually...More
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(Circa 1785) Bar Cent PCGS MS62 BN. This lustrous, undated, colonial, Uncirculated Bar copper of circa 1785 has a predominantly even, light tan color on the obverse...More
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Cents and Half Cents were the first coins struck for circulation by the United States Mint. Coinage began in 1793 with laws specifying that the cent should weigh exactly twice as much as the half cent. Large Cents are dated every year from 1793 to 1857 with the exception of 1815, when a lack of copper prevented production.
All were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. Mintage records in some cases may be inaccurate, as many of the early pieces were struck later than the dates shown on the coins. Varieties listed are those most significant to collectors. Numerous other die varieties may be found because each of the early dies was individually made. Values of varieties not listed in this guide depend on collector interest, rarity, and demand.
Proof large cents were first made in 1817; all Proofs are rare, as they were not made available to the general public before the mid-1850s.
