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Collecting US Large Cents

The US Large Cent is one of the first coins minted in the United States. Minted from 1793 through 1857, minus 1815 when a fire struck the mint, the Large Cent saw a variety of styles, three in 1793 alone.

Chain Cent 1793

The Chain Cent was the first of the Large Cent designs, featuring Liberty on the face and a circle of chain links on the reverse. The design generated a rather sour response from the public, so 1793 was the only year to see the Chain Cent design.

Wreath Cent 1793

The Chain Cent was replaced with a new design, featuring a Liberty with much more distinct flowing locks and a wreath instead of the chain links. Still, the Wreath Cent didn't make it past 1793 either...

Liberty Cap 1793-1796

The last design of 1793, what must have been an exhausting year for the mint, was the Liberty Cap Cent. The Liberty Cap lasted through 1796 with a few slight variations, some of which are extremely rare.

Draped Bust 1796-1807

1796 also saw the introduction of the Draped Bust design of the Large Cent. The Draped Bust was minted through 1807 sought after rareties minted in 1799 and 1804.

Classic Head 1808-1814

The Classic Head Large Cent is among the more common of the Large Cents. Minted in quanties from 1808 through 1814 the Classic Head is the first Large Cent to feature the distinctive "Liberty" headband seen in later Large Cent designs.

Matron Head 1816-1839

As mentioned above, a fire struck the mint in 1815 and no Large Cents were minted. When they came back in 1816 it was with a new design that would last more than 20 years, the Matron Head. 1821 and 1823 are quite rare, but all varieties of the Matron Head Large Cent are popular with collectors.

Braided Hair 1840-1857

The last of the Large Cents was the Braided Hair variety minted from 1840 to 1857 when it was replaced by the new Small Cent coins, some varieties of which are still minted today. The 1857 Braided Hair Large Cent is one of the most popular dates amongst collectors as the last issuance of the denomination.