The 1852 large cent is a rare and highly sought after piece of United States numismatic history. It was minted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the final year of this type of coin's production.
This makes it popular among collectors who are looking to complete their collection or just appreciate its beauty and rarity. As one of the last coins issued by the U.S Mint prior to being replaced with smaller cents, these pieces have become desirable collectibles due to their historical significance as well as scarcity on today’s markets.
Overview Of The 1852 Large Cent
The 1852 Large Cent is a beautiful and unique coin that has captivated numismatists for decades. Its grandeur shines through its intricate engraving, which features Lady Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars - one for each of America’s original colonies.
The reverse side displays an attractive wreath with the words United States Of America encircling it.
This classic piece of Americana stands out among other coins due to its size; it measures 33 millimeters in diameter, making it larger than most US coins. It also weighs 11 grams, heavier than all current US coins except the half-dollar.
With such a distinct look and feel, collectors around the world have been drawn to this special coin since its release date more than 150 years ago.
Its popularity continues today as those looking to invest or add collectible value often seek out these large cents from 1851-1857 – the only seven years they were issued by the U.S Mint.
As demand increases over time, their scarcity should drive up prices even further, making them a great addition to any collection - whether you are just getting started or are already an experienced numismatist!
Mintage And Rarity
Having provided a brief overview of the 1852 Large Cent, we now turn to its mintage and rarity.
This coin saw a total production of 10,848,637 pieces in Philadelphia with an additional 1,200 proofs produced at this same mint. It is also known that 972 business strikes were made in New Orleans but no proof coins were ever struck there; these are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The sheer number of 1852 large cents minted has resulted in some availability on the market today, meaning one can typically acquire a circulated or lower graded example for minimal cost. However, higher grade specimens often demand much higher prices due to their scarcity and eye appeal:
- A VF35 specimen could cost anywhere from $60-80 depending on condition
- An AU58 would likely fetch between $400 -$500
- Coins certified MS63 or above will command thousands of dollars
Given the relative affordability of 1852 large cents compared to other classic United States coins such as Capped Busts Quarters and Half Eagles, they offer numismatists a great opportunity to add early American coins with historical significance to their collection without breaking the bank.
Design Elements
The large cent is a marvel of numismatic design, possessing a beauty that can only be admired. It has the same iconic curves and flourishes as a typical cent coin, but with an impressive size to it - about twice the diameter of today's modern coins. One could almost imagine these pieces glimmering in the sunlight like polished jewels among all other mundane coins.
These designs are often quite detailed and intricate, featuring motifs of various figures from US history such as presidents or allegorical representations of Liberty. The obverse typically features some kind of patriotic symbol while the reverse bears inscriptions regarding year of minting and denomination.
Obverse | Reverse |
---|---|
Symbol | Inscriptions |
Year | |
Denomination |
It truly was a golden age for American coinage when these early cents were being produced; each one unique in its own way, yet still bearing similarities to one another in terms of design elements – making them instantly recognizable within any given era. Through their timeless beauty, large cents give us insight into our country’s past, preserving a piece of history both visually and materially.
Collecting 1852 Large Cents
The design elements of the 1852 large cent are some of the most interesting features when it comes to coin collecting. Its iconic Liberty head on one side, and a 'wreath' encircling the year on the other make for an attractive piece that is widely sought after by numismatists. Here's what you should know about collecting them:
- They were first minted in 1793 and were last issued in 1857.
- The designs changed slightly throughout these years, making each edition unique.
- Prices vary depending on condition, grade and rarity.
When deciding which pieces to collect, you will want to consider their quality. A detailed inspection is essential since small flaws can significantly decrease its worth.
Many collectors prefer uncirculated coins as they have not been circulated or handled much over time. You'll also likely find proof sets available too – though more expensive than regular editions – they typically come with higher grades due to limited circulation and less wear-and-tear over time.
Lastly, research into their values can be beneficial when looking to buy or sell your collection of 1852 large cents. Knowing the market value of any given piece goes a long way toward helping you get the best deal possible while maintaining the integrity of your collection at all times.
Market Value And Investment Potential
The large cent is a symbol of American economic history and has captivated numismatists for centuries. Its size alone speaks to its grandeur: the diameter of a large cent measures more than an inch, making it larger than most modern-day coins. As such, many collectors have coveted these coins as both aesthetic pieces and investments alike.
When it comes to market value, the price tag on a large cent may vary depending on age and condition. Coins that are older in years tend to be more valuable due to their rarity, while those minted from 1816-1836 often fetch higher prices due to the quality of metal used in production.
In general, however, any large cent can be worth anywhere between $3-$50 or even more if they're especially rare specimens.
Collecting large cents provides passionate hobbyists with a unique opportunity to delve into America's financial past - one coin at a time. For investors looking for some extra income, buying them might prove beneficial too since there's always a chance that you'll come across something truly special! The potential rewards make collecting this old currency particularly rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Diameter Of The 1852 Large Cent?
As a numismatist, it is important to understand the dimensions of coins.
The diameter of large cents varies depending on the year minted.
For example, the 1852 large cent has an approximate diameter of 28 millimeters.
It should be noted that this size may vary slightly due to inconsistencies in production at the time.
What Is The Composition Of The 1852 Large Cent?
As the old adage goes, knowledge is power.
In numismatics, this holds especially true when it comes to understanding coins; specifically the composition of a coin.
The 1852 large cent was composed of 88% copper and 12% nickel which gave it its distinct reddish-brown coloring and added strength for circulation.
This makes sense as at the time of its production, many other denominations were being made with similar compositions.
What Is The Current Estimated Population Of The 1852 Large Cent?
The estimated population of large cents is quite varied, as the coins have been collected for centuries.
Generally speaking, a conservative estimate is that there are around 1 million surviving examples in existence today.
This number can be further broken down into certain varieties and conditions, with the 1852 Large Cent being particularly popular among numismatists due to its rarity and historical significance.
Are There Any Varieties Of The 1852 Large Cent?
Have you ever wondered how many varieties of large cents exist?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that there are plenty! The 1852 large cent is one such example; this coin offers an array of different sizes and shapes.
From the Copper-Nickel Indian Head Cent to the Braided Hair Liberty design, each piece has its own unique characteristics and history. You may even find some rarer pieces with small minting errors or misprints!
Is There A Premium Attached To Higher Grade Specimens Of The 1852 Large Cent?
As a numismatist, there is an inherent premium attached to higher grade specimens of any coin.
This holds true for the 1852 large cent as well; coins that have been preserved in good condition often command a higher market value than those which are worn or heavily damaged.
The collector's eye will be drawn to attractive examples with less signs of circulation, and these pieces can bring a hefty price tag due to their rarity and desirability among collectors.
Conclusion
The 1852 Large Cent is a truly remarkable coin.
As a numismatist, I'm always amazed by its size and composition.
It has an impressive diameter of over 28 millimeters which is made up mostly of copper with small traces of nickel or zinc.
The current estimated population for this rare coin is around 6 million pieces, although certain varieties can be even more difficult to find.
If you're lucky enough to have one in higher grade condition, it might fetch some premium prices!
Collecting coins like the 1852 Large Cent is incredibly rewarding; not only do we get to appreciate their beauty and rarity but also the immense history they embody.