The 1821 large cent is an important coin to numismatists. It was the first of its kind since 1793, and it marked a major change in how coins were made during this period.
This article will discuss the details of the design and production of the 1821 large cent, as well as its significance to numismatics.
The 1821 large cent is often referred to by collectors as 'the last of the old cents.' With a diameter measuring 28 millimeters, it was larger than any other U.S. regular issue copper penny produced before or after it.
Its obverse depicts Lady Liberty facing left with her hair tied up in a ribbon behind her head, while the reverse features a wreath encircling ONE CENT surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the rim.
Design And Production Of The 1821 Large Cent
The 1821 large cent was a monetary masterpiece, its intricate design and production process captivating numismatists around the world. Crafted with care in Philadelphia, this coin had an awe-inspiring presence that could not be matched by any other currency of the era.
It featured a bust of Liberty on one side, her image surrounded by thirteen stars to represent the original colonies, along with the year of issue displayed above her head. On the reverse was an American shield, encircled by a wreath tied at its base.
This remarkable piece of money was created using a multi-step process involving mintage, pressing, stamping and edging techniques. The first step involved melting down copper into ingots before it was rolled out into thin sheets known as planchets. Next, each individual coin was pressed from these sheets between two dies – one die crafted with reliefs of Liberty's head and inscription while the other carried images for the reverse.
Finally, after being stamped with a reeded edge to deter counterfeiting attempts, these coins were released into circulation where they would become part of America’s history books forevermore.
No matter how much time passes or what changes occur throughout our country’s future evolution, numismatists will always remember this iconic symbol - the 1821 large cent: A timeless reminder of United States' early beginnings.
Diameter And Size
The 1821 Large Cent was a significant coinage in the United States Mint's production of cents. Its design, featuring Lady Liberty encircled by 13 stars on the obverse and an oak wreath with ONE CENT written inside it on the reverse, were powerful symbols of both nationalism and prosperity.
The size of this penny also makes it stand out from other large cents minted before or after its creation. Measuring 27.5mm in diameter, the 1821 Large Cent is slightly larger than most other coins produced during that period. This difference in size is partly due to its thicker planchet thickness which has been estimated at 2-2.25 mm thick compared to 1.7 mm for regular sized copper coins issued between 1793 and 1857.
This distinct feature contributes greatly to its higher value when compared to other copper pennies within the same time frame as well as provides collectors with a unique opportunity to own such an impressive piece of American currency history.
Obverse Design
Have you ever wondered what the obverse design of a large cent looks like? It is truly remarkable, and its features are quite unique. Here's an in-depth look at some of them:
- The obverse designs feature Liberty with her hair tied up in a ribbon or a cap and often includes 13 stars to represent the original colonies.
- Inscriptions such as 'United States of America' or 'Liberty Parent of Science & Industry' are typically included on most coins.
- Many large cents have a wreath around the edge featuring leaves, fruits and other vegetation.
- Some also include animal motifs such as eagles or snakes that further enhance their beauty.
- Lastly, various dates can be found along the bottom edge of certain coins, adding another layer of interest for numismatists.
As one might expect from such an old coinage series, many varieties exist within this wide range of designs – making it especially exciting for collectors who specialize in early American currency!
With so much to explore and appreciate about these magnificent pieces, it’s no wonder why they have remained popular among hobbyists over time.
Reverse Design
The obverse design of the large cent is iconic, with its symbolic imagery and intricate detailing. Its reverse side contains just as much beauty but in a different manner. Featuring an eagle spreading its wings atop a shield, this is often seen as a representation of strength and stability.
The reverse of the coin features an American bald eagle clutching arrows in its talons while perched on top of a shield that displays stripes below it. A banner gracefully wraps around the entire piece, inscribed with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above the bird and “ONE CENT” beneath it. Above the bird are 13 stars, each one representing one original state or territory at the time of production.
This beautiful design has been used to represent America for centuries, making coins like these timeless symbols of our nation's history. They continue to be collected by numismatists all over the world today and serve as reminders not only of past times but also what we have achieved since then.
Significance To Numismatics
The large cent has been a source of fascination, even awe to numismatists for centuries. It is an item that holds many secrets, ranging from its origins and evolution to the stories it tells us about our nation’s history. Each piece stands as a testament to America's pioneering spirit and economic development throughout the years:
- The first large cents were minted in 1793 with Lady Liberty featured on one side and a chain of fifteen links signifying unity among the original colonies on the other.
- In 1856, small cents replaced large cents because of their smaller size—making them easier and more economical to produce.
- Despite this shift in production, large cents remained popular among collectors who sought out specific dates or varieties as part of their collections.
Today, these coins continue to be highly coveted by both novice and experienced numismatists alike. Their intriguing designs, historical significance, and rarity make them unique treasures that demand admiration and respect.
Whether it be through auctions or private sales, each coin provides insight into America’s past while bringing joy to those fortunate enough to own them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Current Market Value Of An 1821 Large Cent?
The market value of a large cent varies greatly depending on the date and condition.
Numismatists generally agree that rarer dates tend to be more valuable than common ones, with higher grade examples commanding even greater premiums.
An 1821 large cent is one of the more available dates in the series but can still bring hundreds of dollars when well preserved.
How Many 1821 Large Cents Were Produced?
The numismatic world was abuzz with curiosity when the 1821 large cent made its debut.
A figure of speech, it could be said that many a collector's heart was set aflutter at the sight of this newly minted coin.
Unbeknownst to most, however, is how few were produced - a mere 319,000 in total.
Such an incredibly scarce number speaks volumes as to why these coins are so highly coveted by collectors today.
What Is The Difference Between A Large Cent And A Small Cent?
As a numismatist, it is important to understand the differences between large cents and small cents.
A large cent is a United States coin with a face value of 1/100th of a dollar that was minted from 1793 to 1857. It has a diameter of approximately 27mm which makes it larger than its successor, the small cent.
The small cent replaced the large cent in 1857 due to rising production costs for copper coins at the time. It features an 88% copper alloy and has a smaller size measuring 19mm in diameter making them easier to store and handle than their predecessor.
Is The 1821 Large Cent Rare Or Common?
Contrary to what one might assume, the 1821 large cent is actually not particularly rare. It was produced in relatively high numbers for its time; although production numbers were lower than other years such as 1816 and 1817.
That being said, it's still an important coin from a numismatic perspective due to its historical value, so it retains some degree of desirability among collectors.
Are 1821 Large Cents Made Of Silver Or Copper?
The 1821 large cent is a commonly collected coin amongst numismatists. It's made of pure copper and exhibits an interesting design on the obverse side with a draped bust of Lady Liberty.
The reverse features the words 'One Cent' surrounded by a wreath, all encircled by thirteen stars to represent the original colonies.
This classic piece has become one of the most popular coins among collectors due to its limited production and unique design.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I must note that the 1821 large cent is an interesting coin.
It has a current market value of around $100-$150 and only 1.3 million were produced.
The difference between this type of large cent and its smaller counterpart lies in size; the former being larger than later coins made for circulation.
Although it is not considered rare, it certainly makes for an attractive piece to any collection due to its unique design and silver content.
Overall, the 1821 large cent is truly a beautiful addition to any serious collector's portfolio.