Classic Head Large Cent

The Classic Head large cent was produced by the U.S. Mint from 1808 through 1814. There were several design changes in a few short years that brought about the Classic Head design. The new director, Robert Patterson took control of the Mint in 1806 which started another shake-up at the facility.

The U.S. coins at that time all had designs by the chief engraver at the Mint, Robert Scot. Director Patterson was not impressed so in 1807 he commissioned new designs for every one of Scot’s coins. John Reich was named to assist Scot to redesign the coins.

Reich changed every coin from the half cent up through the half eagle. The large cent was given an image of Liberty who was left facing, with curly hair that was tied with a headband inscribed LIBERTY. Liberty is surrounded by 13 stars with the date below. On the reverse was ONE CENT inside a wreath. The wreath is circled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The Classic Head large cent began being produced in 1808 with one million coins made. The following year there was a cent shortage because the mint ran out of planchets. The combined total of this coin was 4,757,722 and all were made in Philadelphia. There are no great rarities in the Classic Head large cent series, but the scarcest date is 1809. These coins are dark and porous. Classic Head large cents are collected by date, and type collectors want the commonly found 1814 coins as they had sharper strikes and the occasional touch of mint red.