Why Consider USA Large Cents - TYPE SET OF AMERICAN LARGE CENTS
Greetings All,
Everyone right now is looking to buy gold coins. To a somewhat lesser extent silver coins but for a couple of years now
it's been the gold dominating the charts. The poor coppers as rare as can be have languished and not done much of anything and this includes Colonials. Your host personally paid close to
10K for a NJ copper in MS-63 only to watch it sell for 7K when re-auctioned less than a year or so later. Too late to save and put a not sell on it, the happy owner purchased an exceptional
early American copper coin at bargain basement prices. Assuming this was a collector who now put the coin away for awhile, this was a very smart and ballsy move to make.
The same holds true for early American copper large cents and half cents. Please review some of the following and contact me for
help in assembling a small collection or even an example or 2 of what could prove to be a contrarian purchase of the decade.
To whet your whistle not just with information but a few astounding early American Coppers that are available for sale/trade.
Please see these to add to your collection
Please contact me as soon as possible as this is a very healthy rare coin market.
Don't hesitate to share your Want List items - we are adept at filling them, and we're discreet.
We wish you and your family continued health & prosperity.
Large Cents of the United States were issued every year from 1793 to 1857 except for 1815 because of a fire at the Mint. During this time there were eight major design types. The first three types, the Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse; the Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse; and the Liberty Cap, were all issued in 1793. Since the latter was the only design that lasted for more than a few months, it is clear that the first two designs were deemed unsatisfactory. The other Large Cents were the Draped Bust, issued from 1796 to 1807; the Classic Head from 1808 to 1814; and the Liberty Head, Matron Head from 1816 to 1835; the Liberty Head, Matron Head Modified from 1835 to 1839; and the Liberty Head, Braided Hair from 1839 to 1857. Although there are rarities within each type, the earlier dates are much less available than the later ones.
Today we look at Large Cents as beautiful and romantic. The people who used them would probably have disagreed. The coins were almost half dollar sized and heavy. Their size and weight made them impractical to use in any volume. A pocket full was inconvenient, but one only needed two to buy a pound of sugar in the early1800s in Philadelphia.
Henry Voigt designed the FLOWING HAIR, Chain Reverse (1793) Large Cent. The AMERICA subtype is actually a correction of the first cent that has AMERI. because of a spacing error. The obverse shows a profile of Liberty looking to the right. Her hair is untied, hence the designation Flowing Hair. LIBERTY is above the portrait and the date is below. Contemporary critics said that Miss Liberty appeared to be “in a fright.” The reverse shows a fifteen-links chain motif, intended to represent the unity of the Union, with each link representing a state at the time; however, contemporaries viewed the chain as symbolic of slavery. Within the chain is the denomination ONE CENT on two lines with the fraction 1/100 below. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is at the periphery. The rims are raised on both sides, and there are no beads or denticles. The edge is designed with a Vine-and-Bars pattern.
This well struck 1793 Chain Cent is the period after date variety. Unlike most Chain cents, Liberty’s hair and the date are distinct. The reverse of this coin is sharper than the obverse, which is typical for the type. All of the letters in the legends are bold and clear. The chain is so bold that it pops off the coin. The surfaces show microscopic porosity, more so on the obverse. They are virtually free of abrasion marks or other distractions with just one tiny tick in the center below Liberty’s ear, mentioned for the sake of accuracy. The surfaces are original with no tooling or burnishing, which is often found on coins of this era. In its population report, PCGS shows 8 in VF30 with 14 better. At NGC there is 1 in VF with 4 better. These numbers do not account for crossovers or resubmissions.
On the S-4 variety, both LIBERTY and the date are followed by a period. Both are also closely spaced. On the reverse the word AMERICA is spelled out. The fraction bar is distant from the denominator compared to the numerator and high. The 1793 S-4 cent has an R3+ rarity rating.
Voigt also designed the FLOWING HAIR, Wreath Reverse (1793) Large Cent. The obverse shows a profile of Liberty looking to the right. Her hair is untied, hence the designation Flowing Hair. LIBERTY is above the portrait and the date is below. Under the truncation and above the date is a sprig of three leaves. The reverse shows a wreath of two olive branches that enclose the denomination written as ONE CENT. The branches are tied at the bottom with a ribbon. Between the ends of the ribbon and the rim is the fraction 1/100. Around the wreath is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The edge is decorated with either a vine and bars pattern or lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.
This eye-appealing 1793 Large Cent is one of the Vine and Bars Edge varieties. The coin is a lovely light chocolate brown that is slightly darker on the lower left obverse and most of the reverse. The colors attest to the coin’s originality. Except for a very small area of micro-porosity at the date, the surfaces are clean, hard, and glossy with no abrasion marks worthy of individual description. Most of Liberty’s hair and the wreath details are strong. The raised beads on the borders are distinct except for the portion above CA in AMERICA. A long die crack is present across the reverse, which is diagnostic for the variety. In its population report, PCGS shows that 29 Vine and Bars Wreath cents have been certified in XF40 condition; however, only 7 of the S-8 variety have been certified higher than the present coin.
The S-8 variety is identified by the horizontal stem of the sprig of three leaves, slightly curved, that parallels the top of the numerals of the date. On all other Wreath cents, the stem points downward. In addition the 7 istaller than the other numbers. There is a faint die crack from the point of the bust to the edge and two short ones from the top left of the Y in LIBERTY and the top right of the R to the border. The 9 and 3 are poorly formed when combined with this reverse. On the reverse, the upper outside trefoil on the left side is under the first T in STATES. The bow is heavy and shaped almost like a triangle. The fraction bar is curved and long as it almost touches both ribbons. A long, thin die break is present across the coin from the first T in STATES to the last A in AMERICA. This die break, which is very delicate, runs through the center dot.
The LIBERTY CAP (1793-1796) Large Cent was designed by Joseph Wright and modified by John Smith Gardner. It shows a head of Liberty in profile facing right. Her hair falls in separated strands behind her shoulder. The wavy hair from her forehead is brushed back. A Phrygian or Liberty cap is in on a pole over her left shoulder. The end of the pole is visible alongside of the bust. The reverse shows an open wreath of laurel tied with a bow. Within the wreath, on two lines, is the denomination, ONE CENT. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the wreath at the periphery. At the bottom, between the ribbon ends is the fraction 1/100. There are dentils on both sides of the coin; the edge is lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR, followed by a single leaf, or it is reeded.
This Choice VF 1794 Large Cent has lovely, hard, light brown surfaces that are original and clean for the grade with few abrasion marks none of which are worthy of individual description. Liberty’s hair is worn, but shows detail, especially in the back of the neck. The dentils are strong on the obverse. The CAC sticker indicates that this coin is a premium quality piece that fully merits the grade assigned. In its population report, NGC shows this coin, the S-28 in VF condition, tied with 3 others with 1 better. CAC does not distinguish Large Cents of this date by die variety.
The S-28 die variety is identified by the placement of LIBERTY,which is very high near the rim. Hair locks 3,4,5,6, and 8 all end in vertical
lines. The date is wide and evenly spaced. The reverse shows a very tiny berry at the top of the highest leaf stem, a curled tail to the R in AMERICA, and a single leaf under the I in
AMERICA.
The DRAPED BUST (1796-1807) Large Cent was designed by Robert Scot. It shows Liberty in profile facing right. Her hair is tied with a ribbon in
the back but most of it falls to her shoulder with a curl below the truncation. Each strand of hair ends in a curl. LIBERTY is above and the date is below. The design was based on a drawing
by Gilbert Stuart that was first used on some silver dollars of 1795 and later used on half-cents of 1800 to 1808. The reverse shows an open wreath of laurel tied with a bow. Within the
wreath, on two lines, is the denomination, ONE CENT. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the wreath at the periphery. At the bottom, between the ribbon ends is the fraction 1/100.
This eye-appealing, glossy, brown Large Cent comes with the provenance of the Paul Gerrie Collection. The near-Uncirculated coinis completely original and clean, with virtually no abrasion
marks or other distractions. Just a trace of wear on the highest points keeps this beauty from a Mint State grade. Hints of original red are found on both sides as well as mint luster
within the devices. The strike is above average with full details on Liberty’s hair behind her forehead. The CAC sticker tells us that this is a premium quality piece that fully deserves
the assigned grade. In it's population report, PCGS shows 1, 1797 S-138 in AU58 condition with 1 better. As of June 2013, CAC shows 1, the present coin, confirmed at the AU58 grade level.
The S-138 variety is indentified by the placement of LIBERTY. The left foot of the R touches the highest wave of hair. The point of the curl is under the center of the upright of the B.
The B is perfect, and there is an engraver’s scratch from its upper serif to over the I. The junction of the hair and forehead is under the center of the upright of the T. The 1 in the
date is close to the hair, and the right top of the 7 almost touches the drapery. On the reverse, the right stem points just past the final A in AMERICA and bisects the C diagonally.
The left stem points to the left foot of the left stand of the N in UNITED. There is a swelling in the upper right portion of the coin, which weakens the last letters in STATES OF and
the first letter in AMERICA.
John Reich designed the CLASSIC HEAD (1808-1814) Large Cent. The design shows a curly headed Liberty wearing a LIBERTY inscribed head band in profile, facing left. Seven six-pointed
stars are to the left and six are to the right with the date below the truncation. The reverse has a closed wreath of laurel tied with a ribbon. Within the wreath is the denomination
ONE CENT written on two lines with a center dot and a horizontal line below. Surrounding the wreath is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Dentils are at the periphery of both sides.
Dark chocolate and gray-brown mix on the surfaces of this VF 1814 Classic Head Large Cent. The hair in front of and below Liberty’s ear is very plain. Above her eye it is outlined with
some detail, and her eyebrow is well developed. Significant detail is seen on the leaves of the wreath. Unlike many Large Cents of this date, the dentils are sharp and consistent,
most of the stars have strong centers, and the hair and leaf details are also strong. The planchet is hard, lacking the porosity often seen because of poor copper stock that was used
during the War of 1812. The CAC sticker indicates that the coin is a premium quality piece that fully deserves the assigned grade. In its population report, as of July 2013, CAC shows 1
1814 Crosslet 4, the present coin, confirmed at the VF30 grade level.
The LIBERTY HEAD, Matron Head (1816-1835) Large Cent was designed by Robert Scot. It shows a left-facing profile of Liberty with her hair tied with plain cords. She wears a LIBERTY
inscribed coronet, and she is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars with the date below. The reverse shows a closed wreath of laurel within which is the denomination written on two
lines as ONE CENT. Around the wreath is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Dentils are on both sides of the coin,and the edge is plain.
This is an eye-appealing, problem-free 1818 Large Cent. The surfaces, which are clean for the grade, are a mixture of light chocolate and slate-brown with the former in the fields and the
latter the devices. The colors indicate the coin’s originality. It has an above average strike with full details on to top and left most stars, the hair above Liberty’s ear, and the
leaves on the left of the reverse wreath. The dentils are sharp and regular on both sides. The CAC sticker lets us know that the coin is a premium quality piece that fully merits the
assigned grade. In its population report, as of June 2013, CAC has confirmed 1 1818 Large Centat the AU50 grade level.
The LIBERTY HEAD, Matron Head Modified (1835-1839): The “Young Head” Large Cent was designed by Christian Gobrecht. During this time Gobrecht experimented with various modifications
of the portrait of Liberty. These include the Matron Head of 1835 to 1837 with Medium and Small Letters, the 1837 with Plain and Beaded hair cords, the 1837 with the Head of 1838, and the
1839 “Silly Head” and “Booby Head.” The Silly Head is identified by a lock of hair that extends at the forehead, and the Booby Head has an uncovered shoulder tip.
This Superb Gem 1837 Large Cent comes with the provenance of the famous Naftzger Collection. It is tied for the finest known at PCGS, NGC, and CAC. The coin is a light chocolate brown
with highlights of blue, orange, and gold. These colors prove the coin’s originality. The surfaces are hard, glossy, and pristine, as expected for a coin of this magnitude. Other than
die cracks, which do not diminish the grade, the surfaces are immaculate even with the aid of magnification. The vibrancy of this piece cannot be overstated. It sparkles with the lovely
sheen of bright mint luster. The strike is incredible with full details on all but one of the stars, Liberty’s hair, and leaves of the wreath. The dentils are strong on both sides.
The CAC sticker confirms that the coin is of premium quality and fully deserves the assigned grade. In its population report, PCGS shows the present coin, the 1837 N-9 and two others
in MSBN66 condition with none finer. At NGC there is only 1 in MSBN66 condition. These numbers do not account for crossovers and resubmissions. At CAC, as of June 2013, there are 4 Head
of 1738 Large Cents confirmed in MSBN66 condition; however, CAC does not distinguish among die varieties for Large Cents.
The 1837 N-9 variety is identified by beaded hair cords. The date is close with a tall 1 that is near the bust. There are several die cracks on the obverse. One is from the field to the
left of 1 in the date across the bust and hair to Star 8. A second goes from the rim to Star 1 to Liberty’s nose, forehead, and the bases between L and I in LIBERTY. A forked crack is
seen between Stars 7 and 8. Another is seen from Star 12 to the rim near Star 11. The reverse uses small letters. The first S in STATES is very low. There is adie crack from the rim that
touches the top of the A in STATES to the wreath below the T and then to the first A in AMERICA. A faint crack joins the bases of AM and RI in AMERICA.
The LIBERTY HEAD, Braided Hair (1839-1857) Large Cent, also designed by Gobrecht, loosely follows the pattern of the 1838 gold eagle, which he also designed. From 1839 to part of
1843, Liberty’s portrait is tilted forward. The left tip of the truncation is over the 8 of the date. For most of the rest of 1843 and the later dates, her head is large and in a
vertical position, with the tip of her neck over the 1. The result is that the earlier cents in this group appear to be more delicate. Beginning in 1844, the reverse lettering was made
larger as well.
This near-Gem, slate-brown 1855 Large Cent has Upright 55s as part of its date. Traces of red outline Liberty’s head and some of the reverse lettering. The colors show the coin’s
originality. The glossy surfaces are hard and clean with no abrasion marks visible without magnification. The strike is above average with full details on the coronet and the leaves of
the wreath. Unlike many cents of this date, there are no flakes on the planchet to interrupt the luster. The CAC sticker indicates that this is a premium quality coin that fully deserves
the designated grade. The scuff mark in front of Liberty’s neck is on the holder not the coin. In its population report, as of June 2013, CAC has confirmed 11 1855 Large Cents
Upright 55s at the MS64BN level.
These examples of Large Cents cover all of the seven major design types. Of course a collection of Large Cents can be more extensive by collecting by date or die variety, but a type set
is actually an excellent way to begin. A collector of Large Cents sits at the crossroads of numismatics, art, history, and technology. It is a fascinating series with much to offer.
THE FOLLOWING RARITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE/TRADE. PLEASE INQUIRE HERE:TomPilitowski@yahoo.com
1793 VF Chain One Cent "AMERICA" Periods Variety, NGC VF20 BN
PERIODS VARIETY. WELL STRUCK EVENLY WORN PLANCHET.
$35,750 Details and Enlarge
1793 LIBERTY CAP One Cent, BEADED BORDER PCGS VF25BN
1798 DRAPED BUST One Cent, 1ST HAIR STYLE PCGS MS64BN
1ST HAIR STYLE. SOME MINT RED. HIGHEST S-157 GRADED AT PCGS. RARITY-2.
$55,440 Details and Enlarge
About Tom Pilitowski
Tom Pilitowski, US Rare Coin Investments
is a Rare Coin Dealer, Gold Coin Dealer specializing
in Rare Coins, Gold Coins and Silver Coins since 1979.
Tom Pilitowski has been involved in coin collecting
since childhood. There are virtually no areas of American
numismatics that Mr. Pilitowski has not explored,
or has had experience in and over the years, Mr. Pilitowski
has been successful in not only surrounding himself
in the most astute and influential circles of coin
traders, numismatists, collectors and investors but
became one, who is looked upon by some of the most
astute buyers as a source of knowledge, information
and inventory acquisitions.
P.S. Remember, we are a small company with specialties, some of which were considered highly
esoteric decades ago
when I started studying and doing business we have honed over decades, who cherry picks millions of dollars in rare
coins to offer you. Some of these very same numismatic specimens are today worth many times what they once were when
only a few of us were as deeply involved with them as I was and still am decades later I promise you confidential,
personalized and expert representation of the highest integrity. Buy and sell with confidence.
