The Large Cent is an important piece of U.S. history. First introduced in 1793, it was one of the earliest coins minted by the United States. Over the years, the design of the Large Cent changed, reflecting the growing nation’s development. The coin played a key role in the American economy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In this article, we will explore how the Large Cent evolved, from its introduction to its eventual replacement with smaller coins.
What is a Large Cent?
Before we look at how the Large Cent changed, it’s important to understand what the coin was. The Large Cent was a one-cent coin produced by the U.S. Mint. It was much bigger than modern coins and had a weight of around 10.9 grams. The design of the Large Cent changed several times throughout its existence, with different symbols, portraits, and styles appearing on the coin.
The Early Years: 1793 to 1796
The first Large Cent, made in 1793, is known as the Chain Cent. The design featured a chain around the word “Liberty” on the reverse side, symbolizing the unity of the states. However, this design was quickly replaced in 1796 with the Wreath Cent, which had a more straightforward design, including a wreath of laurel leaves around the word “Liberty.”
During this time, the Large Cent was the only one-cent coin in circulation, making it very important for daily transactions. The U.S. Mint struggled with making these coins in the early years, and there were many mistakes in the minting process.
The Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Cents: 1796 to 1807
Between 1796 and 1807, the Large Cent underwent a series of changes in its design. The most notable design change was the introduction of the Flowing Hair Cent in 1796. This coin featured Lady Liberty with flowing hair, which became an iconic design for U.S. coins. The Draped Bust Cent, introduced in 1800, also featured Lady Liberty but with a different hairstyle.
This time period was significant for coinage in the United States as the country was still young, and the designs reflected both the struggles and growth of the nation. The Draped Bust design was widely accepted and used for many years.
The Classic Head and Coronet Head Cents: 1808 to 1849
In 1808, the U.S. Mint introduced the Classic Head Cent, which featured a new portrait of Lady Liberty. This design was only used for a short time, replaced in 1816 by the Coronet Head Cent. The Coronet Head was a more mature depiction of Lady Liberty, and the coin became a symbol of stability and strength during this period.
During this time, the size of the Large Cent remained unchanged, and it was widely circulated, although its usage began to decrease as the U.S. economy evolved. By 1849, the U.S. Mint decided to discontinue the Large Cent.
The Braided Hair Cent: 1839 to 1857
The Braided Hair Cent, which was introduced in 1839, marked the last design of the Large Cent before it was discontinued. This coin featured a portrait of Lady Liberty with a braided hairstyle. It also included a number of minting errors and variations, making it a popular coin for collectors today.
However, due to the increasing cost of production, the U.S. Mint decided to replace the Large Cent with smaller coins in 1857, marking the end of an era for the Large Cent.
Table: Key Design Changes in the Large Cent
| Year | Coin Design | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1793 | Chain Cent | First Large Cent with a chain design symbolizing unity. |
| 1796 | Wreath Cent | Replaced Chain Cent; featured a wreath around “Liberty.” |
| 1796 | Flowing Hair Cent | Lady Liberty with flowing hair, first iconic design. |
| 1800 | Draped Bust Cent | Lady Liberty with draped hair, a more formal design. |
| 1808 | Classic Head Cent | New portrait of Lady Liberty, short-lived design. |
| 1816 | Coronet Head Cent | A more mature version of Lady Liberty’s portrait. |
| 1839 | Braided Hair Cent | Last design before discontinuation, with braided hair. |
| 1857 | Discontinued | Large Cent was replaced with smaller coins. |
The End of the Large Cent and Its Legacy
By 1857, the Large Cent was replaced by smaller coins, mainly due to the increasing cost of minting and the need for more practical coins in everyday use. The Flying Eagle Cent took the Large Cent’s place, marking a new chapter in U.S. coin history. Despite this, the Large Cent’s legacy still lives on in coin collections and numismatic history.
Collectors highly prize the early designs of the Large Cent for their historical significance, rarity, and beauty. These coins tell the story of a growing nation, and they are some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world today.
Conclusion
The Large Cent was an important coin in the history of the United States, from its first minting in 1793 to its final design in 1857. Over the years, the design of the coin evolved, reflecting changes in the country’s growth and economy. Though the Large Cent is no longer in circulation, its history and legacy continue to fascinate collectors and historians alike. The Large Cent shows how coins can tell the story of a nation and become treasured pieces of history.
FAQ’s
1. Why was the Large Cent discontinued?
The Large Cent was discontinued in 1857 because it became too expensive to produce and the U.S. Mint decided to create smaller, more practical coins.
2. What is the most famous design of the Large Cent?
The Flowing Hair Cent, introduced in 1796, is one of the most famous designs of the Large Cent, featuring a portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair.
3. When was the Braided Hair Cent introduced?
The Braided Hair Cent was introduced in 1839 and is the last design of the Large Cent before it was replaced.
4. How much is a Large Cent worth today?
The value of a Large Cent can vary greatly depending on its condition, rarity, and year. Some rare Large Cents can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.