Large Cents

Large Cents were the very first coins made for circulation that were authorized by the U.S. government and these coins were issued between 1793 to 1857 with numerous design changes.

1793 saw three different types of Large Cents-”Chain” Cents, “Wreath” Cents and “Liberty Cap” Cents. The Liberty Cap cents were in production until the year 1796. From that year until 1807 Draped Bust Large Cents were issued and then the Classic Head Cents were produced from the year 1808 until 1814.

The first public reaction to the 1793 “Chain” Cent was dismal. Liberty appeared to be frightened and the chain of fifteen links on the backside was viewed as representing bondage and slavery and not strength and union as was intended. Because of the public disdain, Liberty’s hair was repaired and the chain was also replaced with a wreath. Known as the 1793 Wreath Cent, this coin did not get much better acceptance and was soon replaced.

The next Large Cent, the Liberty Cap endured a bit longer. It was minted from 1794 to 1796 and the design has many interesting varieties, many very rare. The heavy weight of the Large Cent was reduced in 1795 and the edge lettering was taken away, leaving a plain edge. Some of the 1797 cents have an odd “Gripped Edge”.

The Draped Bust design appeared in 1796 and ran until 1807. The rare dates of the Draped Bust are 1799 and 1804.

The Classic Head was next and was minted from 1808 through 1814. No dates are rare but they are hard to come by in good condition.

Next came the Matron Head that appeared in 1815 and ran until 1839. There are many varieties and the scarce dates are 1821 and 1823. Certain rare varieties can be worth thousands of dollars.

The final Large Cent was the Braided Hair of 1840 to 1857. The 1857 coin is scarce and popular due to it being the final year of the denomination.

The Large Cent was replaced by the Small Cent in 1857.