Cents and Half Cents were the first coins struck for circulation by the United States Mint. Coinage began in 1793 with laws specifying that the cent should weigh exactly twice as much as the half cent. Large Cents are dated every year from 1793 to 1857 with the exception of 1815, when a lack of copper prevented production.
All were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. Mintage records in some cases may be inaccurate, as many of the early pieces were struck later than the dates shown on the coins. Varieties listed are those most significant to collectors. Numerous other die varieties may be found because each of the early dies was individually made. Values of varieties not listed in this guide depend on collector interest, rarity, and demand.
Proof large cents were first made in 1817; all Proofs are rare, as they were not made available to the general public before the mid-1850s.
1797 Early Cent (1797 Large Cent) PCGS AG03 CAC. This Large Cent variety of 1797 is graded AG-03. LIBERTY and the date are readable on the obverse, and the reverse...More >>>
1799 Large Cent - 1799 1C, S-189, PCGS AG03 CAC. 1799 Large Cent, Regular Date, S-189, R2+. This obviously identifiable but worn 1799 Large Cent has devices...More >>>
1839 Large Cent, Silly Head - 1839 1 Cent Silly Head NGC XF45 BN CAC. N-4. This dark chocolate-brown 1839 Large Cent is one of the Silly Head varieties, so named because...More >>>
1864 Indian Cent, Bronze - 1864 Indian 1C Bronze, PCGS MS63 RB CAC. This Select Uncirculated, Civil War dated, red and brown 1864 bronze Indian cent is mainly red and has...More >>>
(ND) General Motors 1C NGC MS63 RB. Struck sometime between 1964 and 1969, these were made by General Motors in Warren, Michigan. Undated (ca. 1967) General Motors...More >>>
Cents and Half Cents were the first coins struck for circulation by the United States Mint. Coinage began in 1793 with laws specifying that the cent should weigh exactly twice as much as the half cent. Large Cents are dated every year from 1793 to 1857 with the exception of 1815, when a lack of copper prevented production.
All were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. Mintage records in some cases may be inaccurate, as many of the early pieces were struck later than the dates shown on the coins. Varieties listed are those most significant to collectors. Numerous other die varieties may be found because each of the early dies was individually made. Values of varieties not listed in this guide depend on collector interest, rarity, and demand.
Proof large cents were first made in 1817; all Proofs are rare, as they were not made available to the general public before the mid-1850s.
