Large cents are a fascinating part of numismatic history. They were first issued in 1793 and continued to be minted through 1857, when they were replaced by the smaller Flying Eagle cent. During their 64 year period of production, large cents featured several distinct designs which varied over time.
For the numismatist, these coins offer an interesting glimpse into early American currency - one that is sure to captivate any collector's attention!
The earliest variety of large cents was known as the Chain Cent due to its distinctive imagery featuring linked chains on either side of Liberty’s head. This design lasted only one year before being replaced with the Wreath Cent.
The Wreath Cents were produced for 10 years until it too was discontinued and followed up with the Coronet series from 1816-1839. Each type has characteristics and variations unique unto itself making them all highly sought-after finds among collectors today.
History Of Large Cents
Pleasing pennies, powerful pieces of history – large cents have long been a significant symbol in the numismatic world. From colonial copper coins to modern-day replicas and collectibles, these currency specimens have earned their place as a precious part of monetary culture throughout the ages.
Forged from copper alloyed with nickel and zinc, early American large cent coins were issued by the United States Mint between 1793 and 1857. First minting was done in Philadelphia during this period but later years saw production expand to other regions like New York and Charlotte due to increasing demand for coinage at that time.
Each specimen featured Lady Liberty on one side surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies while the opposite side bore a wreath encircling an inscription denoting either the year or denomination value such as “One Cent” or “Half Cent”.
From Colonial times through today’s age of technology, large cents have remained a valuable addition to any collector's portfolio. With various varieties available both in circulated condition and uncirculated state, owning these classic coins can be both rewarding aesthetically and financially depending on rarity and demand within specific markets.
A token of past generations yet still popular among present day hobbyists, these fascinating objects showcase our nation’s storied heritage - making them truly timeless treasures!
Chain Cent
The Chain Cent was the second large cent issued by the United States Mint and is a great rarity among early American coins. It was first minted in 1793, with all production taking place that year.
The design of this coin features Lady Liberty facing right with flowing hair while holding an olive branch and chain in her left hand on the obverse side. The reverse depicts a wreath surrounding the denomination “ONE CENT” encircled by 13 stars.
The oddity of this coin comes from its unusual reverse design which features a chain around the edge of the coin rather than traditional denticles found on other coins produced during that period. This unique feature likely served as a deterrent for counterfeiting since it would have been difficult to replicate at such small scale without specialized equipment.
However, despite being very different in appearance from contemporary issues, these coins were still widely accepted due to their authenticity being determined by weight alone.
Due to its scarcity and uniqueness, there are only about fifty known specimens surviving today making it one of the rarest U.S. coins ever struck. Consequently, when examples do come up for sale they often command very high prices and attract much attention from serious numismatists who appreciate its historical significance and aesthetic beauty alike.
Wreath Cent
The Wreath Cent, a beloved staple of the numismatist's collection, is an iconic piece of American history. Its beauty and design evokes a sense of nostalgia for many - like walking down memory lane with each glance at its pleasant image.
The obverse side features a stylized Liberty head wearing a cap surrounded by thirteen stars representing each colony at the time of production in 1793. On the reverse side is an intricately designed wreath encircling the words 'One Cent' and the date it was minted.
The very first cents produced were made from copper while later issues featured brass or bronze compositions. In 1856, tin became part of the composition after being recommended to reduce costs associated with increasing copper prices over that period. This idea however did not last as complaints from citizens caused Congress to revert back to producing cents using only copper.
As such, these transitional coins are now highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and unique story behind them.
A variety of different Wreath Cents exist ranging from those struck on planchets (blanks) intended for half-cents, large cent varieties such as Chain Ameri., Matron Head, Coronet Head and Braided Hair types along with miscellaneous errors which are all incredibly interesting finds for any collector seeking out this classic coin series.
Indeed, they provide insight into our nation’s early days while offering us beautiful pieces to admire and appreciate all these years later!
Coronet Series
The Coronet Series of large cents was first minted in 1816 and ran until 1857.
It's design was based on the draped bust, liberty head motif, making it quite a classic piece.
Varied minting dates exist within the series with some of the more rare coins being from the earlier years, such as 1816, 1817, and 1820.
Collectors of the Coronet Series have the potential to find some very valuable coins in the series due to its longer production span.
Designs
The Coronet series of large cents is renowned for its variety in designs. These coins, minted from 1816 to 1839, featured the iconic image of Liberty wearing a coronet on their obverse side.
The reverse sides changed multiple times during this period and each version had distinct features that set it apart from the others. For example, some reverses were inscribed with an eagle perched atop a shield encircled by stars representing the 13 original colonies, while other versions featured a wreath of laurel and olive leaves surrounding the denomination.
All of these different motifs contribute to making this coin series so unique and beloved among numismatists. In addition, several varieties within many years also exist due to small differences such as size or design detail which adds even more collectable value to this already sought-after series of large cents.
Collectors can spend hours studying all the various details between each coin!
Minting Dates
The Coronet series of large cents is renowned for its variety in designs and minting dates. All coins were produced between 1816-1839, but some years saw more than one issue due to slight variations in design or size.
For example, the 1817 issue was released with two different reverse designs: an eagle perched atop a shield encircled by stars representing the 13 original colonies and a wreath of laurel and olive leaves surrounding the denomination.
Additionally, there are several varieties within many years that can be collected due to minor differences such as size or design detail adding even more value to this much sought after coin series. This makes it essential for numismatists to study each individual piece carefully in order to identify any potential rarities amongst them!
Collecting Large Cents
The Coronet large cents had a long and storied history, however it is their successors that have become the most highly sought-after numismatic collectibles.
Collecting large cents has become an increasingly popular hobby among many coin enthusiasts.
These coins were minted from 1793 until 1857, which makes them some of the oldest American coins still in existence today.
They represent a connection to our nation's past, with each coin carrying its own unique story of where it's been and who may have held it over the years.
Large cent collecting offers something for everyone - whether you're looking for original examples or rare varieties such as overdates, die clashes, misstrikes, etc., there are plenty of options out there to suit any budget or interest level.
With so much variety available within this series, collectors can easily customize their collection to reflect their personal tastes while also learning more about the history behind these classic coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Current Market Value For Large Cents?
The numismatic market is a vibrant and ever-changing landscape, with the value of coins fluctuating from day to day.
Large cents have been particularly desirable in recent years, as their historical significance has become more widely recognized among collectors.
The current market price for large cents can vary significantly depending on condition and rarity; however, it is not uncommon for these coins to be sold at auction for prices ranging anywhere between $10-$200 USD or higher.
Are Large Cents Made Of Gold Or Silver?
No, large cents are not made of gold or silver. Rather, they are composed mainly of copper and have occasionally been supplemented with zinc, tin, and other metals.
Large cents were produced from 1793 to 1857 by the United States Mint for use in circulation. They ranged in size from approximately 27 millimeters to 29 millimeters in diameter and weighed between 10-13 grams each.
The composition of these coins was changed several times during their production run due to fluctuations in the price of copper.
Are Large Cents Magnetic?
As a numismatist, I often receive questions about the magnetism of coins. Large cents are no exception to this inquiry; many wonder if these large-sized coins are magnetic or not.
The answer is both yes and no—it depends on what metal they are made from. Cents produced before 1857 were minted with an alloy that contained mostly copper, making them nonmagnetic.
Those made between 1864 and 1982 were created with zinc-coated steel, which makes them very magnetic in comparison.
Are Large Cents Legal Tender?
When it comes to the legal tender status of coins, large cents are no exception. The answer is a resounding yes!
Large cents were first issued in 1793 and continued through 1857. These coins were considered legal tender up until 1971 when Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, which demonetized all fractional currency under one dollar including large cents.
So if you happen to have some old pocket change lying around from before then, chances are, those large cents still hold their legal tender value today!
What Is The Most Rare Large Cent?
Numismatists often consider the 1822 Coronet Head large cent to be one of the most rare and sought after coins in existence.
This coin, which is sometimes referred to as a 'Matron Head' due to the matronly appearance it takes on when worn down over time, was minted only once before the new Liberty Head design replaced it in 1839.
The scarcity of this coin has made it highly coveted by numismatics who are looking for something special in their collection.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I have researched the values and properties of large cents with great interest. My findings indicate that large cents are made of copper alloy, not gold or silver. They do not exhibit any magnetic properties either.
In terms of legal tender status, they are no longer accepted as currency in the United States but may still be used for collectible purposes. The rarity of certain large cent types is highly sought after by collectors looking to add such pieces to their collections.
Although some theories suggest that certain mints produced fewer coins than others, this has yet to be proven definitively. Ultimately, what truly makes a coin valuable is its condition and availability; however, one can never underestimate the allure of rarer coins within the numismatic community.