The 1839 large cent is an important piece of American numismatic history. It was the first year in which the classic Coronet Liberty Head design was used on this denomination, making it a popular and desirable collectible among coin enthusiasts.
With its impressive size and intricate detailing, there's no denying that the 1839 large cent is one of the most attractive coins around. It has been lauded by numismatists for decades due to its historical significance as well as its aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're looking to add a great specimen to your collection or simply curious about 19th century American coins, the 1839 large cent is definitely worth exploring further.
History Of The 1839 Large Cent
The 1839 Large Cent is a numismatic marvel, truly embodying the spirit of American history. It has been said that if one were to hold this coin in their hand and close their eyes, they would be transported back to an era just before the Industrial Revolution transformed our nation.
This copper penny was minted during a period where America was rapidly developing its own unique culture; it served as a talisman for these momentous changes taking place within society.
In today's terms, the large cent can be seen as an icon of progressiveness - something which many people strive towards regardless of the time or place.
It features the classic 'Coronet' design by Robert Scot, with Lady Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars representing each of the colonies at that time. Upon its surface lies both beauty and power: An image that speaks to hope and optimism as well as perseverance through tumultuous times.
The 1839 Large Cent stands testament to our country's strength and innovation throughout its storied past.
Design Of The 1839 Large Cent
The obverse design of the 1839 Large Cent features a classic 'Liberty' head with a plain headband, while the reverse design displays a laurel wreath with larger, stylized letters spelling out 'ONE CENT'.
I'm particularly fond of the intricate details of the obverse head, and the boldness of the reverse lettering.
Overall, the design is quite unique and stands out from other large cents of the era.
I'm looking forward to discussing the design of the 1839 Large Cent further!
Obverse Design
On the obverse of the 1839 Large Cent, you can see a portrait of Liberty facing left. She is wearing a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY' and has long hair that flows gracefully down her back. Encircling this image are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date below it.
On either side of Liberty's bust, there are two small circles containing laurel wreaths. This design was typical for coins issued during this period and makes them easily recognizable to even novice numismatists.
All in all, this design serves as an excellent example of American coinage from the 1800s - timelessly elegant yet still distinctively unique!
Reverse Design
The reverse design of the 1839 Large Cent is just as impressive and distinctive as its obverse.
Featuring a bold eagle with wings outstretched, it holds an olive branch in one talon while gripping arrows in the other.
The words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' are inscribed above the bird, along with the denomination 'ONE CENT.'
Below this figure are two lines containing what appears to be a sprout of wheat on each side.
This detail was added by engraver Christian Gobrecht and symbolizes the agricultural roots of our country.
All these elements come together to create a beautifully balanced composition that captures America's spirit and strength.
It stands as a testament to how far we've come since then, yet remains timelessly relevant today!
Rarity And Value Of The 1839 Large Cent
The 1839 Large Cent is a rare coin that has become highly sought after by collectors due to its distinct design features. It was minted in the year 1839 during the short-lived period of large cent production, and its intricate feather detail makes it one of the most attractive coins from this era.
While there are many varieties among these coins, they are all united by their size and overall design aesthetic. As far as value goes, the 1839 Large Cent is considered a prized collector's item – especially if it retains its original condition with no signs of wear or tear. Its rarity means that even a well-worn example can fetch good prices at auction for seasoned numismatists who know what to look for.
The price range varies depending on grade (the amount of wear), but generally speaking it remains quite valuable regardless. Given such high demand from both professional and amateur collectors alike, it should come as no surprise that the 1839 Large Cent continues to be an important part of the numismatic world today.
This coin serves as an excellent reminder of how special some objects can be - both in terms of their beauty and financial worth - making them worthy investments for those looking to start or expand their collections.
Collecting The 1839 Large Cent
Collecting the 1839 Large Cent can be an exciting challenge for numismatists. Not only is it a classic coin with great historical significance, but its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors.
The obverse of the large cent features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty with long hair falling over her shoulder and a wreath on her head. The reverse shows 13 stars surrounding UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along with ONE CENT in the center. It was minted from 1793 until 1857 when it was replaced by the smaller Flying Eagle cent.
The most common varieties of this year are known as “Bust Cents” or “Classic Head Cents” due to their appearance:
- No Drapery - This variety has no drapery at all below Liberty's left elbow, making it easily distinguishable from other coins.
- With Stars Obverse & Reverse - Both sides have stars surrounding the date and inscription areas respectively.
- Plain 4 Obverse - On this type, there is not enough detail visible around Liberty's eye to determine whether she wears glasses or not; hence, it is referred to as 'Plain 4'.
- Closed 3 Obverse - In contrast, this variant does feature glasses; thus, earning its name of 'Closed 3' due to three decorative lines outlining Liberty's eyes being closed off rather than open-ended like on other versions.
It may take some time and effort to find these elusive pieces but they will undoubtedly make great additions to any collection!
How To Care For Your 1839 Large Cent
The 1839 large cent is an important part of American numismatic history, and should be properly cared for. To ensure the longevity and condition of your coin, there are several steps you can take.
First, it’s essential to store the coin in a cool environment that is free from humidity or drastic temperature changes. It’s also recommended to place the coin in a protective holder with acid-free paper or tissue between layers if possible. This will allow air circulation while keeping the metal safe from harmful chemicals found in some plastics and materials.
| Location | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 70°F - 75°F | 30%-50% |
In addition, never clean or polish coins as this could permanently damage their surfaces and greatly reduce their value. Instead, use a soft cotton cloth designed specifically for polishing coins and gently wipe away any dirt buildup on both sides of the coin without scrubbing too hard. If more serious cleaning is necessary, consult an experienced professional before attempting it yourself. Coins should only rarely require such attention though; proper storage alone usually suffices for lasting preservation.
It's important to remember that all coins require special care to remain in good condition over time, not just those made in 1839! Taking these precautions helps protect your investment and preserve its historical value for future generations to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The Best Place To Purchase An 1839 Large Cent?
It is no secret among numismatists that the 1839 large cent is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history, with its value estimated at around $1,400 today!
If you're looking to purchase an authentic example of this famous coin, it's best to go through a reputable dealer. This ensures that you won't be scammed or sold a counterfeit piece - always make sure they provide documentation to prove authenticity.
Additionally, online auctions are another great way to find large cents from various time periods as well as rarer varieties like 1839; just be sure to do your research before bidding on any coins so you know what kind of price range you should expect for each item.
What Are Some Other Similar Coins To The 1839 Large Cent?
As a numismatist, it's important to understand the history and context of coins from different eras. The 1839 large cent is an example of early American currency that was produced in limited quantity.
As such, similar coins may be more difficult to obtain. Coins from other years like 1840-1857 Braided Hair Large Cents are often sought after by collectors due to their similarities in size, design and mintage.
Other alternatives include Flying Eagle cents (minted between 1856-1858) which feature a smaller diameter than the traditional large cent but still maintain some of its characteristics. There are also many rare varieties of these coins available as well with slight differences in design or mintmark location that can make them valuable additions to any collection.
Are There Any Varieties Of The 1839 Large Cent?
Yes, there are several varieties of the large cent.
For example, the 1839 N-14 is a rare variety that can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
While most varieties of this coin were minted in copper alloy, some pieces have been found with a silver center and copper outer ring.
This type is known as an 'overstrike' and is highly sought after by numismatists due to its rarity.
Other varieties of the 1839 large cent include double dies, repunched dates, overdates, minor clashes, and die breaks.
Collectors should always examine their coins closely for any signs of these unique characteristics as they can add significant value to a collection.
Are There Any Counterfeits Of The 1839 Large Cent?
Counterfeits of large cents, such as the 1839 variety, have been around since the coins were minted.
While some seem quite convincing at first glance, an experienced numismatist should be able to spot a counterfeit by looking for certain features.
For example, they can examine the date and lettering of the piece and check whether it matches up with genuine specimens from that year.
They may also observe any minute details in the edge design or tiny imperfections on the surface which indicate that it is not authentic.
Are There Any Special Techniques Used By Coin Collectors When Evaluating The 1839 Large Cent?
Coin collectors use a number of special techniques to evaluate coins.
Examining the details, thickness and luster are important elements in determining the authenticity of any coin; especially for one as old as the 1839 large cent.
With careful scrutiny, these features can help numismatists determine if a coin is genuine or counterfeit. Furthermore, knowledge of minting dates and other significant information about the coin's history can provide an even greater level of confidence when assessing its value.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I understand the importance of researching and evaluating coins to ensure authenticity.
While there are many places to purchase an 1839 Large Cent, it is important for collectors to be aware of counterfeits and varieties.
With this in mind, coin collecting can become quite 'a penny saved is a penny earned' endeavor.
From recognizing other similar coins like the 1833 Coronet Head Large Cent or the 1840 Braided Hair Large Cent, to employing techniques used by experienced collectors such as grading scales or examining mint marks- knowledge is key when dealing with valuable coins.
When properly researched and evaluated, owning an original 1839 Large Cent can be both rewarding and profitable.