Large Cents: A Deep Dive into Early American Coinage
Large cent collecting has gotten complicated with all the die varieties, grading controversies, and attribution debates flying around. As someone who has studied early American copper for years, I learned everything there is to know about these substantial coins from our nation’s infancy. Today, I will share it all with you.
What Are Large Cents?
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—Large Cents were U.S. one-cent coins minted from 1793 to 1857. They’re called “large” because they’re significantly bigger than the small cents that replaced them—about the size of a modern half dollar.
Design Evolution
That’s what makes Large Cents endearing to us early copper collectors—the design changes tell the story of a young nation finding its visual identity:
- Flowing Hair (1793): Liberty with wild, windswept hair
- Liberty Cap (1793-1796): Liberty wearing the cap of freedom
- Draped Bust (1796-1807): More refined, classical portrait
- Classic Head (1808-1814): Younger-looking Liberty
- Matron Head (1816-1839): Matronly Liberty figure
- Braided Hair (1839-1857): Final design, most common
Collecting Approaches
Collectors tackle Large Cents several ways:
- Type set (one example of each major design)
- Date set (one from each year)
- Die variety collecting (Sheldon numbers for early dates)
Value Factors
Early dates (1793-1814) command significant premiums. Even well-worn examples of 1793 cents sell for thousands. Later Braided Hair cents are affordable in lower grades—a decent circulated example might cost $30-50.
Authentication Matters
Counterfeits exist, especially for rare early dates. Professional grading through PCGS or NGC provides authentication and establishes value. For any Large Cent over a few hundred dollars, certification is worth the cost.
