COIN NAME: 1793 Chain Reverse
DESIGNED BY: Henry Voigt
ISSUE DATE: 1793
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: Average 26 to 27 mm
WEIGHT: 208 grains
EDGE: Vine and bars design
BUS MINT: 36,103
PROOF MINT: None
This, piece, besides being the first cent made in America for general circulation, has many interesting characteristics. It is especially unique in that it may carry two grades. One for the obverse design and another for the reverse. The obverse design d.
COIN NAME: 1793 Wreath Reverse
DESIGNED BY: Adam Eckfeldt
ISSUE DATE: 1793
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: 26 to 28 mm
WEIGHT: 208 grains
EDGE: Vine and bars design, or lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR
BUS MINT: 63,353
PROOF MINT: None
The Wreath style is the second major design in this series. The obverse was redesigned from the earlier motif and now features Miss Liberty in higher relief, with the hair details more pronounced, LIBERTY above her head, the date 1793 below, and above the date a sprig or leaf design. The reverse consists of an open wreath tied with a bow at the bottom, enclosing ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the fraction 1/100 surrounding. Both obverse and reverse are protected by a high rim with a bead design between the rim and the field.
While the Wreath Style is the most often seen variety of 1793, examples in all grades are scarce. A number of different die varieties were produced, some of which have a vine and bars design on the edge and others are lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR. Examples can be found in all grades, in Fair through Uncirculated, although pieces in Extremely Fine or better preservation are seldom met with.
COIN NAME: 1793-1796 Liberty Cap
DESIGNED BY: John Gardner
ISSUE DATE: 1793-1796
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: Average 29 mm
WEIGHT: 208 grains (thick planchet), 168 grains (thin planchet)
EDGE: Early pieces lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR; The later pieces have plain edges.
BUS MINT: 1,577,902
PROOF MINT: None
Be careful with this one, you could be fooled. The Liberty Cap motif that made its appearance in late 1793 and continued through 1796, was the same motif used later on 1794-1797 half cents. The motif features Miss Liberty facing to the right, a liberty cap on pole behind her head, LIBERTY above, and the date below. The reverse displays an open wreath enclosing ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the fraction 1/100 surrounding. 1793 Liberty Cap cents have a beaded border, while those dated from 1794 through 1796 have denticles. The edges of 1793, 1794, and some 1795 pieces are lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR, while later issues have a plain edge.
It is relatively easy to find a design type in grades Good through Fine in pieces dated 1794,1795 or 1796. The 1793 Liberty Cap cents are much rarer and more expensive. In higher grades, Extremely Fine to Uncirculated, pieces dated 1795 are more readily available than those dated 1794 or 1796, with 1796 cents closely following.
COIN NAME: 1796-1807 Draped Bust
DESIGNED BY: Robert Scott
ISSUE DATE: 1796-1807
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: 29 mm
WEIGHT: 168 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 16,111,810
PROOF MINT: None
The Draped Bust obverse appeared first in the 1795 silver dollar. The rarest dates of this series are 1799 and 1804. However, the Draped Bust Cent offers the avid numismatist an even rarer challenge. Many die varieties were used in production, including the blundered die that read 1/000. To find one of these would be truly special and worth as much in conversation as it is in value.
Patterned after a proposal of artist Gilbert Stuart, and translated into the coinage medium by Robert Scot, the style features Miss Liberty with flowing hair, a ribbon behind her head, and drapery covering her plunging neckline. LIBERTY is above, and the date is below. The reverse is similar to the preceding design and consists of an open wreath enclosing ONE CENT with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the fraction 1/100 surrounding. Denticles are around the border, although on some varieties they are not particularly well defined.
COIN NAME: 1808-1814 Classic Head
DESIGNED BY: John Reich
ISSUE DATE: 1808-1814
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: 29 mm
WEIGHT: 168 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 4,757,722
PROOF MINT: None
Unfortunately, the number of these coins originally struck and the number that remain in existence, have caused there to be no major rarities among the 1808-1814 dates. Back in the days when one cent actually bought something, the need for mass quantities to be struck was great. Most were widely circulated and very few exist today in condition that can even raise an eyebrow.
The obverse features Miss Liberty, her hair close to her head, with a headband inscribed LIBERTY. Seven stars are to the left and six to the right. The date is below. The reverse displays a continuous wreath tied with a ribbon below, enclosing ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding.
Specimens are readily encountered in all grades from About Good to Extremely Fine. AU examples are rare, and Uncirculated pieces are few and far between. Most examples encountered of the earlier years, 1808 through 1812, are apt to show lightness of strike in certain areas, and even 1813 are not immune from this. In general, 1814 cents are better struck. The planchet coloration also varies, with the earlier years in the 1808-1814 span often being a light to medium brown, with later years being dark brown or black. Often the surfaces are microscopically granular. With some searching, you will have no difficulty in locating an attractive Very Fine to Extremely Fine specimen to illustrate the type, although finding a sharply struck piece on a smooth planchet may be a different proposition entirely.
COIN NAME: 1816-1837 Matron Head
DESIGNED BY: Robert Scott
ISSUE DATE: 1816-1837, plus 1839/6 overdate
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: 28 to 29 mm
WEIGHT: 168 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 47,765,912 (does not include 1837 cents of this style.)
PROOF MINT: A few hundred
By this time, mint officials realized the need to have Cents circulating through a growing economy, was tremendous. The so-called Matron Head copper was produced in several variations from 1816 through 1837 (plus 1839/6). Miss Liberty is restyled and now sports a more serious look.
Her hair is tied behind her head in a bun, with two plain cords, with additional tresses hanging downward. In her hair a diadem or coronet is inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround, interrupted by the date at the bottom. The reverse is stylistically similar to that used in 1808-1814 and consists of a continuous wreath tied with a ribbon, enclosing ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. This particular obverse style was used only on large cents and, unlike certain other large cent motifs, had no counterpart in the half cent series. In 1835 the head was slightly restyled; the change is most obvious at the point of the neck truncation. This new style is found on some 1835, all 1836 (and 1839/6) and some 1837 pieces and is distinguished by the small tip to the neck.
Specimens may be readily located in all grades from About Good to Uncirculated, although Uncirculated pieces are apt to be dated 1816 through 1820, particularly the years 1818 and 1820, remnants from the so-called Randall Hoard dispersed in the late 19th century.
COIN NAME: 1839-1857 Braided Hair
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1839-1857
COMPOSITION: Copper
DIAMETER: 27.5 mm
WEIGHT: 168 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 70,916,803 (does not include the 1839 cents.)
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 1,000
It became obvious at this time that the days of the Half Cent were numbered as more than 70 million of these coins were struck during this period. Imagine that at some time during our history, people were saying, "a half cent just doesn't go very far these days." In fact, by the end of this era, the Mint contemplated replacing the large cumbersome Cent with a smaller coin. The Flying Eagle coin was subsequently introduced.
The Braided Hair cent is similar in design to the half cent of the same style and features a compact head of Miss Liberty, her hairstrands sharply defined and tied in the back in a bun secured by two beaded cords. A diadem or coronet bears the inscription LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround, and the date is below. The reverse shows a continuous wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, ONE CENT within, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. The details on the reverse are slightly different from that used earlier, but the style is the same.
Although there are no rare dates from 1839 through 1857, several varieties are scarce, as is the last date of issue, 1857. Typical specimens encountered are apt to range in grade from Very Good to Very Fine, although Extremely Fine coins are plentiful and AU pieces are readily available. Uncirculated coins are also available, although ones in the higher ranges of the category and with full mint color are decidedly elusive.
COIN NAME: 1856-1858 Flying Eagle
DESIGNED BY: James Barton Longacre
ISSUE DATE: 1856 (pattern issue) - 1858
COMPOSITION: 0.88 part copper, 0.12 part nickel
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 72 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 42,050,000
PROOF MINT: 2,000
In 1856, only a partial issue of 600 Flying Eagle Cents was produced and distributed to influential people. The purpose was to secure approval for the design. Word of the minimal striking spread and the 600 initial coins struck were soon selling for $2.00 each. That's 200 times face value. Quite astonishing for a new issue coin of the day.
The obverse employs an eagle in flight, borrowed from Christian Gobrecht's silver dollar patterns of the 1836-1839 years. Above is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while the date is below. The reverse displays a wreath of cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco enclosing the word ONE CENT.
After 1856, the Mint produced Proof restrikes to the extent of 1,000 or more coins, thus accounting for most Proof Flying Eagle cents known today (for relatively few Proofs were made in 1857 and 1858). In 1857, Flying Eagle cents were minted in large quantities for circulation. Coinage in large quantity for circulation continued through 1858. Trouble developed with the striking up of the design, as often the head, upper wing tip, and tail of the eagle would be weakly impressed. As a result, the motif was discontinued.
For a type set, no difficulty will be encountered in the search for an 1857 or 1858 Flying Eagle cent in any grade from Fine through Extremely Fine. AU pieces are not difficult to find, and Uncirculated coins appear with some frequency. Truly superb Uncirculated pieces are rare.
COIN NAME: 1859 Indian, Laurel Wreath
DESIGNED BY: James Barton Longacre
ISSUE DATE: 1859
COMPOSITION: 0.88 part copper, 0.12 part nickel
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 72 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 36,400,000
PROOF MINT: 800 (estimated)
AS though in tribute to the Native American, coinage of the Indian Cent motif began in 1859. There were, however, some pattern coins minted in 1858, perhaps for design approval. The obverse depicts a stylized Indian facing left, wearing a feathered headdress upon, which is a band inscribed LIBERTY. To the left is UNITED STATES, and behind the head appears OF AMERICA. The date is below. The reverse employed on the 1859 cent shows a narrow wreath of laurel leaves enclosing the word ONE CENT. Although the laurel wreath was discontinued for cent coinage after 1859, Longacre brought it to life later for an adaptation used on the reverse of the nickel three-cent piece (minted 1865-1889). Examples of the 1859 Indian cent are readily available in all grades from Good through AU. Uncirculated coins are scarcer, and superb Uncirculated pieces are quite elusive.
COIN NAME: 1860-1864 Indian, Oak Wreath, Copper-Nickel
DESIGNED BY: James Barton Longacre
ISSUE DATE: 1860-1864
COMPOSITION: 0.88 part copper, 0.12 part nickel
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 72 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 122,321,000
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 2,500
Seemingly wild in popularity, this copper-nickel alloy cent became the coin of highest production numbers to date. It was produced all through the Civil War and for some unknown reason prompted hoarding in large numbers by 1863. This hoarding removed most of the coins from circulation. The 1860-1864 years have a different reverse from the proceeding and illustrate a broad wreath of oak leaves, surmounted with a shield, enclosing ONE CENT. The obverse Indian head motif remains the same as used in 1859.
Uncirculated coins are scarce, and superb Uncirculated pieces are rare. Proofs are rare; with most of them showing some normal flecks or oxidation marks. Superb Proofs are extremely rare.
COIN NAME: Indian Head 1864-1909, Bronze
DESIGNED BY: James B. Longacre
ISSUE DATE: 1864-1909, bronze
COMPOSITION: Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)
DIAMETER: 19 mm.
WEIGHT: 48 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 1,690,839,942
PROOF MINT: 98,000 (estimated)
During the Civil War, coins of all types were hoarded, including copper-nickel cents. In their place appeared thousands of different varieties of privately issued cent-size tokens struck in bronze. The public readily accepted these. The situation did not go unnoticed at the Mint, and soon a proposal was made to drop the copper-nickel metal introduced into the coinage system in 1859. Bronze was easier to strike as its hardness was substantially less than the copper-nickel alloy of the previous period. The 1864 Cent was the first Bronze Cent produced.
Apart from the metallic composition, the format remained the same as used earlier. Later in 1864, a tiny L, the initial of Longacre, was added inconspicuously on the obverse. The position of the last feather of the headdress in relation to the last several letters of AMERICA was changed in 1886.
Although there are a number of scarce varieties within the 1864-1909 span, including 1864 with L on ribbon, 1871, 1872, 1877 (in particular), and 1909-S, there are enough common dates that obtaining a specimen in any desired condition presents no problem. Examples are easily available in grades from Good through Uncirculated, although pristine, superb Uncirculated pieces are becoming increasingly scarce.
COIN NAME: 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln
DESIGNED BY: Victor David Brenner
ISSUE DATE: 1909
COMPOSITION: Bronze (0.95 part copper, 0.05 part tin and zinc)
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 48 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 28,479,000
PROOF MINT: 420
Every kid that ever started a penny coin collection always wondered what V.D.B. stood for. Well, as you can see, there is no real mystery. The coin was minted with the designer's initials at the bottom of the reverse, below the wheat stalks. A few people complained (probably other designers whose names would some day be lost in obscurity) and the offensive initials were removed from the piece.
After several decades of use, the Indian motif, which had been a familiar sight on cents since 1859, was replaced by a new style, the Lincoln cent. The new design depicted on the obverse a head and shoulders portrait of Lincoln, bearded, facing right. IN GOD WE TRUST is above, LIBERTY is to the left, and the date is at the lower right. The reverse consists of two wheat stalks, one to the left and the other to the right, enclosing ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above.
1909 V.D.B. cents, the Philadelphia Mint issue, are plentiful today in all grades from Good through Uncirculated, with most being in various worn conditions. Matte Proofs were minted to the extent of 420 pieces, but most of these were "spent," for collectors preferred the earlier mirrorlike style to the matte finish.
COIN NAME: 1909-1958 Lincoln, Wreath Reverse
DESIGNED BY: Victor David Brenner
ISSUE DATE: 1909-1958
COMPOSITION: Bronze (1909-1942), new alloy of 0.95 part copper and 0.05 zinc (1947-1958)
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 48 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 19,552,500,823
PROOF MINT: 15,314 matte; 3,836,869 mirrorlike finish
Even today, those who pay close attention to the pennies that pass through their fingers, can find the "Wheat Penny" that managed to dodge the watchful eye of every would-be collector. "Find a penny pick it up, it might be a wheat penny worth a buck." After a brief coinage of Lincoln cents with V.D.B. initials on the reverse, the initials were removed, thus creating the "wreath reverse," without initials, a style which remained in use through 1958. From 1909 through 1942, and again from 1948 through 1958, pieces were struck in the standard bronze alloy consisting of 0.95 part copper and 0.5 part tin and zinc. Separate types were created in 1943 with the zinc-coated steel and in 1944-1946 with a special alloy made from melted-down cartridge cases and which consisted of 0.95 part copper and 0.05 zinc. It should be noted that the V.D.B. initials were put back on the Lincoln cent beginning in 1918, but this time they were of minute size and placed on Lincoln's shoulder. Generally, collectors do not consider the types with shoulder initials and without shoulder initials, or before 1918, and later, to be distinct types, although in a way they are.
Coined by the billions, cents of this type are common today, and no difficulty will be encountered in obtaining one in any grade desired from Good through superb Uncirculated, with the latter grade being the obvious choice. In addition, Matte Proofs are available from the 1909-1916 years and brilliant-finish Proofs are available of the 1936-1942 years and again from 1950 through 1958. Today, superb Matte Proofs are rare, while mirrorlike or brilliant Proofs of the later era are readily obtained.
COIN NAME: 1943 Lincoln, Steel
DESIGNED BY: Victor David Brenner
ISSUE DATE: 1943
COMPOSITION: Zinc-coated steel
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 41.67 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 1,093,838,670
PROOF MINT: None
During the early years of World War II, copper was in short supply. In 1942 the Mint sought to replace copper in our coinage, and the Durez Chemical Company, North Tonawanda, New York, was commissioned to find substitutes. Experiments ensued, and medalets the approximate size of a cent were struck in such diverse materials as fiber, white metal, plastic, and zinc-coated steel. The last format was adopted, and the following year, 1943, saw the production of Lincoln cents in zinc-coated steel at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco mints.
Examples of the 1943 Lincoln cent are readily available in all grades from Very Fine through superb Uncirculated, although worn grades tend to be a bit "scruffy" in appearance.
COIN NAME: 1944-1946 Lincoln, Shell Case Alloy
DESIGNED BY: Victor David Brenner
ISSUE DATE: 1944-1946
COMPOSITION: Cartridge alloy (see note)
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 48 grains
EDGE: Plain
BUS MINT: 5,142,736,000
PROOF MINT: None
It was during these years that the concept of recycling came to full fruition. At least in the minting of coins. These pennies were made from melted down spent shell cases from World War II. While this material took place, it was barely noticeable as the content varied only by the removal of tin from the alloy. Coinage was effected in large quantities, with over one billion being coined in each of the years 1944 and 1945 at the Philadelphia Mint, an unprecedented figure representing the first time the billion mark had been crossed. Interestingly, by 20 years later multi-billion coinages were the rule. Examples are readily available today in any desired grade from wellworn to superb Uncirculated. The coin will present no difficulty in acquisition.