The 1812 large cent is an important piece of American numismatic history. It's a one-cent coin issued by the United States Mint in Philadelphia that year, and it has become highly sought after among collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.
Since first being minted, this coin has had an interesting journey through time, with many examples surviving in surprisingly good condition for their age.
This article will take a look at the background of the 1812 large cent, as well as what makes this particular type of coin so desirable to modern day collectors.
History Of The 1812 Large Cent
The 1812 Large Cent is a classic piece of American numismatic history. First minted in 1793, the large cent was produced by the U.S. Mint for almost 70 years before being phased out with the introduction of smaller coins.
During its production run, it saw several design changes and variations throughout its lifespan - each one reflecting an important milestone in America's past.
Large cents were struck from pure copper until mid-1837 when their composition changed to 88% copper and 12% nickel alloy due to rising costs of raw materials. The most common varieties today are those made after 1808 which had a smooth edge; earlier versions featured a denticulated (lettered) edge that identified them as official United States currency. Cents after this period also had a larger diameter than previous issues measuring approximately 27 millimeters compared to 25 mm prior.
Today, these historical pieces can be found among many collections across the country and remain highly sought-after by coin collectors everywhere who appreciate their stunning detail and beauty as well as their place in our nation's past.
With some specimens selling for thousands at auction, they make great investments for anyone looking to add an interesting item to their collection or portfolio.
Mintage Details
The large cent, also known as the 'Big Cent', was a denomination of United States currency equivalent to one hundredth of a U.S. dollar. First minted in 1793 by the Philadelphia Mint, it continued being produced until 1857 when it was replaced with the smaller Flying Eagle cent. The size and design varied greatly over its nearly 65 year lifespan, but all share the same purpose: acting as low value change for purchases.
Mintage details are diverse and complex due to changes in composition and size throughout its production run. It underwent several re-designs during this period including Chain Cents (1793), Wreath cents (1793-1796) Liberty Cap Cents (1793-1796) Draped Bust Cents (1800-1808), Classic Head Cents (1809-1814), Coronet Head Cents (1816-1839), Braided Hair Cents (1840-1857).
Here is an overview of some key elements:
- Composition: In general, the early coins were composed of copper while later mintage used brass or bronze alloy containing 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc
- Size: Halfpenny sized coins denoted fractions before their eventual replacement with larger pennies after 1792
- Edge Type: Reeded edges became standard on most US coinage from 1795 onwards
These pieces have been studied extensively since their disappearance more than 150 years ago and remain popular among numismatists today due to their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
Grading And Rarity
The large cent has long been a valuable piece of American currency. Depending on the condition and rarity, these coins can fetch high prices at auction. In fact, an 1827 Capped Bust sold for $977,500 in 2019 - setting a record as the most ever paid for a single coin.
When it comes to grading and rarity, there are several factors that determine the value of a large cent:
| Type | Condition | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Head (1808-1814) | Almost Uncirculated or Higher | Common to Rare |
| Coronet Head (1816-1839) | Extremely Fine or Higher | Common to Very Rare |
| Braided Hair (1840-1857) | Mint State or higher | Scarce to Extremely Rare |
These categories define how rare each type is and provide detail about its overall condition. The better preserved the coin, the more desirable it will be among collectors. This becomes evident when looking at examples from different eras like those listed above. A perfect example is an uncirculated 1840 Braided Hair cent which is considered extremely rare and can easily sell in excess of five figures!
Numismatists agree that large cents represent some of America's earliest forms of money that still remain today; making them highly sought after by collectors around the world. As such they continue to remain popular among serious numismatists who recognize their considerable historical significance and remarkable beauty.
Pricing And Valuation
The large cent has been a staple of American coin collecting since the early 19th century. Its value is determined by its condition, rarity, and type.
Many factors are taken into consideration when pricing this unique item, including age, minting location, and historical significance.
Condition plays an important role in determining the value of any coin; for example, coins with more wear or damage will be worth much less than their pristine counterparts.
Rarity also helps determine how valuable a particular large cent is; rare varieties from certain locations can fetch high prices among collectors due to their scarcity.
Finally, some types of large cents have greater historic importance than others due to their place in history; these coins may command higher prices as well.
Collectors should note that while factors such as condition and rarity are key elements when appraising a large cent's value, they must take other considerations into account such as market fluctuations and availability on the marketplace before making any decisions about purchasing one of these coins.
Collecting Tips And Resources
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a numismatist? Collecting large cents is an exciting way to learn about the history and value of coins. But in order to get started, there are some important tips and resources that can help guide your journey into this fascinating field.
First off, research is key for any coin collector. Start by learning more about large cents, including their mintage numbers, designers, mint marks, varieties, and other details. This information will give perspective on which pieces may be more valuable or rare than others.
Additionally, consult with experienced collectors or dealers who can provide insight into common pitfalls to avoid when collecting these coins.
Next up, set a budget on how much you’re willing to spend on each piece as well as overall cost limits you want adhere to while building your collection. Doing so helps ensure that only quality items make their way into your portfolio and reduces the risk of being overcharged due to lack of knowledge.
Furthermore, establish criteria for evaluating condition before making any purchases – especially from third-party vendors like online auctions or estate sales where grading standards may not always be easy to determine ahead of time.
By staying informed through frequent visits to trade shows or membership organizations such as The American Numismatic Association (ANA) as well as keeping a keen eye out for special offers at local coin shops or dealer websites – new opportunities arise all the time for those interested in acquiring large cents at reasonable prices and add them to their collections without breaking the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does The 1812 Large Cent Compare To Other Coins In Its Era?
The 1812 large cent is a particularly noteworthy coin from its era. It was the first of its kind to be minted in copper and hence, it stands out among other coins produced during that time period.
When compared with others, it has a larger diameter, thicker planchet, and higher relief which gives it exceptional visual appeal. Furthermore, due to the fact that they were stamped on copper planchets instead of silver or gold ones like other coins of the same era, these rare pieces had greater value than their counterparts at the time.
As such, this makes them some of the most sought-after numismatic collectibles today.
Is The 1812 Large Cent Considered A Rare Coin?
The 1812 Large Cent is considered a rare and highly sought after coin by numismatists across the globe.
It is an exquisite specimen of its era, standing out from other coins with its unique design features that have made it stand the test of time.
With fewer than 200 known to exist today, owning one of these beauties will no doubt turn heads amongst collectors - making it a rarity to be treasured for years to come.
Are There Any Special Features That Make The 1812 Large Cent Unique?
The 1812 large cent is a unique coin, due to its age and the fact that it is made from pure copper. It is one of the first coins minted in America and has several distinguishing features which set it apart from other coins.
These include a wider diameter than later issued Large Cents, with well-defined denticles around the circumference, as well as prominent Liberty head details on both sides of the coin.
The reverse side displays an open wreath encircling ONE CENT within a laurel wreath surrounded by thirteen stars representing each of the original colonies. As such, this makes the 1812 large cent a highly sought after piece among numismatists.
How Can I Tell If My 1812 Large Cent Is Authentic?
Authenticating a large cent is no small feat! To determine the authenticity of this precious coin, one must pay close attention to all its features.
From mint marks and reeding lines to size and weight, any slight difference can indicate a fake—so careful examination is key!
Even if it appears genuine at first glance, the numismatist should always double-check for signs of wear or tampering that could signify a counterfeit.
With patience and an experienced eye, anyone can get closer to uncovering the truth behind their 1812 large cent.
Are There Any Restrictions On Buying And Selling The 1812 Large Cent?
When it comes to buying and selling coins, there are certain restrictions in place. As a numismatist, you must be aware of the rules for purchasing and trading in order to stay within legal limits.
In general, coin collecting is an unregulated hobby but when dealing with rare or valuable pieces such as the 1812 large cent, it's important to keep up on any applicable laws that may be imposed by your state or country.
Additionally, if you're looking to purchase this item from someone else make sure you do your due diligence, including verifying the authenticity of the piece before completing the transaction.
Conclusion
The 1812 Large Cent is a highly sought after coin among numismatists. Its rarity and beauty make it one of the most collectible coins in its era, with some specimens even selling for over $2,500! It's truly an incredible piece of history that deserves to be preserved.
This coin has been admired by many throughout the centuries, proving its timeless value.
To put it into perspective, there was once a collector who had spent years searching for his first 1812 Large Cent and finally found one at an auction that was estimated to go for thousands of dollars - he ended up winning it for only a few hundred!
His joyous story serves as a reminder of how special this coin really is.