Cents (1793-Date)

History of the Cent

1. Large Cents (1793–1857)

Before the small cent we know today, the U.S. cent was a big copper coin—about the size of a modern half dollar.

Early Types

1. Flowing Hair Chain Cent (1793)

   • First U.S. cent issued.

   • Reverse shows a chain of 15 links for the original 15 states.

   • Public disliked the chain (some said it symbolized slavery).

2. Flowing Hair Wreath Cent (1793)

   • Replaced chain with a wreath design.

   • Improved aesthetics.

3. Liberty Cap Cents (1793–1796)

   • Liberty with a cap on a pole (symbol of freedom).

   • “Head facing left” (1793) and “head facing right” (1794–1796) varieties.

4. Draped Bust (1796–1807)

   • More elegant Liberty bust by Gilbert Stuart.

5. Classic Head (1808–1814)

   • Softer copper prone to wear.

6. Coronet / Matron Head (1816–1839)

   • Larger bust with a coronet (diadem).

7. Braided Hair (1839–1857)

   • Last large cent type, refined Liberty portrait.

Specifications:

• Composition: 100% copper

• Weight: ~10.89 g

• Diameter: 27–29 mm

2. Small Cents Begin — Flying Eagle Cents (1856–1858)

• Introduced due to rising copper prices—smaller size made cents more economical.

• Flying Eagle design: Eagle in flight on obverse, agricultural wreath reverse.

• 1856 is a rare pattern/transition year with extremely low mintage.

Specifications:

• Composition: Copper-nickel (88% copper, 12% nickel)

• Weight: 4.67 g

• Diameter: 19 mm

3. Indian Head Cents (1859–1909)

• Designed by James B. Longacre.

• Liberty wears a Native American-style headdress.

• 1859 reverse: laurel wreath; 1860–1909: oak wreath with shield.

Composition Changes:

• 1859–1864: Copper-nickel (“white cents”)

• Late 1864–1909: Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin & zinc)

Special Note:

• 1877 is a famous key date.

• Civil War years saw heavy hoarding.

4. Lincoln Cents — Wheat Reverse (1909–1958)

• Issued to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday.

• Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

• Reverse: two wheat stalks.

Composition:

• 1909–1942: Bronze (95% copper)

• 1943: Steel Cents (zinc-coated steel) due to WWII copper shortage.

• 1944–1958: Bronze again (using recycled shell casings).

Key Dates:

• 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are major rarities.

5. Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959–2008)

• Reverse redesigned for Lincoln’s 150th birthday, showing the Lincoln Memorial.

• First circulating U.S. coin to depict the same person on both sides (statue of Lincoln inside memorial).

Composition Change in 1982:

• Early 1982: Bronze (95% copper)

• Mid-late 1982 onward: Copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper).

6. Bicentennial & Shield Era

1. Lincoln Bicentennial Cents (2009)

   • Four reverse designs depicting Lincoln’s life.

   • Issued for the 200th anniversary of his birth.

2. Lincoln Shield Cents (2010–Present)

   • Reverse: Union shield with a scroll reading “ONE CENT.”

   • Symbolizes Lincoln’s preservation of the Union.

Metal Composition Summary

Collectibility

• Large Cents: Scarce in high grade; 1793 issues are iconic and expensive.

• Flying Eagle Cents: Short-lived, popular type set coin.

• Indian Heads: 1877 and 1909-S are key dates.

• Lincoln Wheat Cents: 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are big keys; 1955 doubled die is famous.

• Modern Cents: Often collected by variety or error, like the 1992 Close AM or 1983 doubled die reverse.