U.S. Large Cent Overview (1793–1857)
Minting Period: 1793–1857 (no cents in 1815)
Mint: Philadelphia only (no mint marks)
Composition: Nearly pure copper (~100%)
Weight: ~10.89 g
Diameter: 27–29 mm
Edge: Lettered, plain, or gripped (varied by type/year)
Types:
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Flowing Hair – Chain (1793)
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Flowing Hair – Wreath (1793)
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Liberty Cap (1793–1796)
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Draped Bust (1796–1807)
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Classic Head (1808–1814)
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Coronet / Matron Head (1816–1839)
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Braided Hair (1839–1857)
Key Dates & Low Mintage Issues
| Type / Design | Years | Key Dates & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flowing Hair – Chain | 1793 | All rare (~36K minted) |
| Flowing Hair – Wreath | 1793 | All rare (~63K minted) |
| Liberty Cap | 1793–1796 | 1793 (~11K), 1795 Lettered Edge, 1796 (~110K) |
| Draped Bust | 1796–1807 | 1799 (~43K), 1804 (~97K) |
| Classic Head | 1808–1814 | 1809 (~223K), 1811 (~218K), 1815 (2 known) |
| Coronet / Matron Head | 1816–1839 | 1821 (~389K), 1823 (~1.26M) |
| Braided Hair | 1839–1857 | 1839 (~3.13M), 1851 (~9.89M high mintage), 1857 (~333K) |