Large cents were put into production in the early 1790s, becoming the first American cent in history. Besides 1815, they were the most numerous minted coins in the US until 1857.
The US Mint used hand-engraved dies to make cents with a diameter similar to half-dollar coins. Unfortunately, their low face value means heavy circulation, so most are in poor condition nowadays. Let’s check American Large cent values on the current market.
Large Cent History
All large cent variations were minted only in the Philadelphia mint. Some of them were unpopular, and the public often hated how Liberty looked.
With rising production and distribution prices, coins’ face value became lower than the overall cost over time. Therefore, they were replaced in 1857 with copper-nickel coins of smaller diameter.
Paradoxically, these hated pieces are highly appreciated nowadays and on the list of the most collectible coin types among American collectors. Some of them are scarce and unbelievably expensive, although it is almost impossible to find a specimen in high grade.
Once you decide to collect large American cents, you should check for key dates, including:
- Cents minted during the first years and their numerous variations
- Scarce early 1800s cents
- The large and small date coins minted during the last mintage years
Besides variations and numerous design changes, you can recognize seven large American cents produced from 1793 to 1857. Plus, you should consider an unofficial piece minted in 1868, highly appreciated among collectors.
Large Cent Variations
Flowing hair large cent with the chain reverse
The Large cent design was changed numerous times throughout the years. The initial design minted in 1793, from February 27 to March 12, was simple with a right-facing Lady Liberty, but the coin reverse was controversial.
The problem was in a chain that coin designer Henry Voigt added as a sign of his support for slavery. The details on the Liberty bust were often absent due to the hand-engraved dies used in that time, but the reverse was typically struck sharper.
It was the first American coin, only 36,103 pieces were minted, and its survival rate was low. Therefore, you can expect that collectors highly appreciate it.
Its price will vary depending on the grade but is always high. For instance, the worst preserved specimen will cost at least $2,000 to $3,000. The best pieces can reach an astonishing $500,000.
Flowing hair large cent |
|
| Face value | 1 cent ($0.01) |
| Compound | 100% Copper |
| Coin weight | 0.47549 ounces (13.48 g) |
| Coin diameter | 1.04 to 1.06 inches (26.5 – 27 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Bars and vines decoration |
Flowing hair cent with the wreath reverse
Second chief coiner John Adam Eckfeldt altered both the obverse and reverse designs later this year. Liberty got a long wild hair, while a wreath replaced the hated chain. It is known that the US Mint produced 63,000 well-struck pieces with an ornate wreath on the reverse from April 9 to July 17.
Liberty cap large cent |
|
| Face value | 1 cent ($0.01) |
| Compound | 100% Copper |
| Coin weight | 0.47549 ounces (13.48 g) |
| Coin diameter | 1.142 inches (29 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Liberty cap cents (1793 to 1796)
The next step was to hire designer Joseph Wright to redesign the cent once more in the summer of 1793. He changed Lady Liberty and added a Phrygian cap on her head to symbolize freedom.
Another change included the replacement of the unrecognizable plant in the wreath with the well-known laurel wreath. The US Mint made these pieces using a punch instead of hand dies, resulting in a more quality appearance.
Since planchets became too thin and light by 1795, the US Mint gave up edge lettering, so the coins produced had a plain edge during the two following years. Nowadays, only four coins minted in 1795 with a reeded edge exist.
Draped bust and Classic head large cent |
|
| Face value | 1 cent ($0.01) |
| Compound | 100% Copper |
| Coin weight | 0.38413 ounces (10.89 g) |
| Coin diameter | 1.142 inches (29 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Draped bust large cent (1796 to 1807)
Engraver Robert Scot redesigned all American cents in 1796 by designing a Liberty wearing a ribbon in her hair and drapery over the neckline. Additionally, he replaced a laurel wreath with an olive one on the reverse.
With a few minor revisions, this design was in use through 1807. Nowadays, you can still find these specimens in decent condition at a reasonable price, making them the most available and affordable early cents on the market.
Coronet Liberty head (Matron and Braided hair Liberty head) large cents |
|
| Face value | 1 cent ($0.01) |
| Compound | 100% copper |
| Coin weight | 0.38413 ounces (10.89 g) |
| Coin diameter | 1.122 inches (28.5 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Classic head large cent (1808 to 1814)
Second engraver John Reich redesigned the existing Draped bust cent and changed Lady Liberty by adding the fillet, ornate headgear, on her head. You can see 13 stars around her bust, symbolizing the original colonies.
Interestingly, these coins were minted from high-quality copper without much metallic impurity. Unfortunately, that shortened their life since soft surfaces wear and corrode faster.
Nowadays, it is almost impossible to find high-graded Classic head large cents. Therefore, rare specimens that occasionally appear on the coin market are expensive, particularly those with red mint luster.
American large cent value* |
||||
| Date | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| Flowing hair large cent | ||||
| 1793 | $8,000 | $19,000 | $65,000 | $125,000 |
| Liberty cap large cent | ||||
| 1793 | $6,000 | $16,000 | $80,000 | $170,000 |
| 1794 | $370 | $800 | $4,000 | $6,100 |
| 1795 | $350 | $1,250 | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| 1796 | $400 | $1,350 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Draped bust large cent | ||||
| 1796 | $250 | $900 | $6,000 | $12,500 |
| 1797 | $140 | $425 | $3,500 | $7,750 |
| 1798 | $135 | $550 | $7,500 | $14,000 |
| 1799 | $3,500 | $12,500 | $80,000 | $210,000 |
| 1800 | $75 | $265 | $3,850 | $7,000 |
| 1801 | $75 | $225 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| 1802 | $65 | $200 | $1,000 | $1,900 |
| 1803 | $65 | $175 | $1,000 | $1,450 |
| 1804 | $1,200 | $4,500 | $16,000 | $47,000 |
| 1805 | $60 | $175 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| 1806 | $70 | $225 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| 1807 | $60 | $185 | $1,200 | $2,300 |
| Classic head large cent | ||||
| 1808 | $80 | $325 | $1,850 | $3,250 |
| 1809 | $120 | $500 | $3,750 | $7,200 |
| 1810 | $80 | $325 | $1,700 | $2,750 |
| 1811 | $85 | $500 | $5,200 | $10,000 |
| 1812 | $80 | $325 | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| 1813 | $60 | $325 | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| 1814 | $80 | $325 | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| Coronet Liberty head large cent | ||||
| 1816 | $20 | $45 | $190 | $300 |
| 1817 | $20 | $40 | $140 | $225 |
| 1818 | $20 | $40 | $135 | $225 |
| 1819 | $22 | $40 | $275 | $375 |
| 1820 | $25 | $45 | $335 | $550 |
| 1821 | $35 | $135 | $1,300 | $2,300 |
| 1822 | $25 | $45 | $425 | $700 |
| 1824 | $85 | $500 | $4,000 | $8,500 |
| 1825 | $20 | $40 | $325 | $650 |
| 1826 | $25 | $100 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| 1827 | $20 | $40 | $225 | $425 |
| 1828 | $20 | $35 | $210 | $410 |
| 1829 | $20 | $35 | $200 | $385 |
| 1830 | $20 | $35 | $190 | $300 |
| 1831 | $20 | $30 | $150 | $250 |
| 1832 | $20 | $30 | $150 | $250 |
| 1833 | $20 | $30 | $150 | $250 |
| 1834 | $20 | $75 | $550 | $1,250 |
| 1835 | $20 | $35 | $225 | $400 |
| 1836 | $20 | $35 | $125 | $250 |
| 1837 | $20 | $35 | $125 | $250 |
| 1838 | $20 | $35 | $120 | $225 |
| 1839 | $20 | $30 | $110 | $265 |
| 1840 | $20 | $30 | $85 | $200 |
| 1841 | $20 | $35 | $125 | $250 |
| 1842 | $20 | $30 | $85 | $220 |
| 1843 | $20 | $30 | $85 | $160 |
| 1844 | $20 | $30 | $85 | $160 |
| 1845 | $20 | $30 | $75 | $135 |
| 1846 | $20 | $30 | $75 | $135 |
| 1847 | $20 | $30 | $75 | $135 |
| 1848 | $20 | $30 | $75 | $130 |
| 1849 | $20 | $30 | $100 | $150 |
| 1850 | $20 | $30 | $60 | $125 |
| 1851 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $125 |
| 1852 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $125 |
| 1853 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $125 |
| 1854 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $125 |
| 1855 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $125 |
| 1856 | $20 | $30 | $65 | $130 |
| 1857 | $60 | $100 | $200 | $300 |
*by JM Bullion
Coronet head large cent (1815 to 1857)
Matron head large cent (middle date from 1815 to 1839)
The Mint assigned Chief Engraver Robert Scot to redesign the large American cent one more time in 1815. It was known that only two Matron head large cents were minted this year. As you have probably learned, blank copper planchets couldn’t come to the US during a wartime embargo.
After three war years, all planchets were worn out, and the US Mint needed to stop production until 1816. Thanks to the new design prepared for this year, the Liberty looked more mature, plus she got stars differently arranged around her bust. After Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht modified the coin look in 1835, this cent continued to be minted until 1839.
Braided hair large cent (late date from 1839 to 1857 and unofficially 1868)
With only a few minor changes in 1843, the US Mint continued to produce this Large cent from 1839 to 1857. Chief engraver Christian Gobrecht changed Lady Liberty’s hair by designing a braid and gave her a youthful look. As the final Large cent type, these coins are the most common nowadays.
Interestingly, one of the mint employees used old planchets and struck several large cents in 1868. Less than twenty of these unofficial coins struck in copper and nickel have survived to these days. Many collectors are prepared to pay a fortune for one of these instant rarities.
Summary
The US Mint produced different variations of large cents from 1793 to 1857. Even though numerous pieces were minted, not many survived until today, especially in the high grade. It is tough to find the oldest minted versions, so these specimens are always costly.
