1793 – 1857
1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent
From 1793 through 1857 the US cent was much larger than what we are accustomed to today. These cents ranged from 27 mm to 29 mm in diameter, quite large when compared to the modern Lincoln Cent which is only 19 mm in diameter.
Different designs were used for US Large Cents:
1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent ~ (chain reverse)
This was actually the first time that the Federal Government minted a coin using its own equipment and facilities. Only 36,103 Flowing Hair Large Cents were struck with the chain reverse. The fact that these coins were minted in such low numbers along with it being struck for only 1 year make this one of the rarest US coins for collectors. Depending upon the condition an example of this large cent can be worth anywhere from several thousand dollars to half a million dollars!
1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent ~ (wreath reverse)
Because of ridicule and pressure over the chain reverse design being reminiscent of slavery the coin was redesigned later in 1793. Adam Eckfeldt made changes to the obverse as well as the reverse. Lady Liberty was given longer hair and the chain was replaced by a wreath. Around 63,000 Flowing Hair Large Cents were struck with the wreath reverse.
1793 – 1796 Liberty Cap Large Cent
Liberty Cap Large Cent
1793 saw some major changes to the design of the Large Cent. Joseph Wright redesigned the Large Cent once again and added a cap to Lady Liberty and changed the wreath on the reverse to a laurel wreath. Over the next three years the coins designed was modified several other times so there are many different varieties available to collectors, but all are relatively rare.
1796 – 1807 Draped Bust Large Cent
In 1796 Robert Scot was asked to redesign the entire US coinage. Scot’s design featured bust of Lady Liberty with a drapery across her neckline and a ribbon in her hair. An olive wreath representing peace was added to the reverse. Throughout 1796 to 1807 several modifications were made to the design.
1808 – 1814 Classic Head Large Cent
Coronet Braided Large Cent
In 1808 John Reich was appointed to redesign all US coins. For the Large Cent he depicted Lady Liberty wearing a fillet. The Classic Head Large Cent was struck using a more pure copper than previous coins and as a result was much more prone to damage by wear and corrosion. This contributes to the rarity of specimens in high grade.
1816 – 1857 Coronet Large Cent
There were two major designs for the Coronet Large Cent:
1816 – 1839 Matron Head Coronet Large Cent
Lady Liberty was enlarged and surrounded with stars around the edge.
1839 -1857 Braided Hair Coronet Large Cent
In 1839 the Coronet Large Cent was redesigned in an attempt to make Lady Liberty look slimmer and younger.
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