1818 1C Coronet Head Large Cent
PCGS MS63RB – Mint State Red-Brown
Historical Background
The Coronet Head Large Cent, sometimes called the Matron Head, was introduced in 1816 following the Classic Head series. The U.S. Mint adopted this design during a transitional era of improved die preparation and production quality, with the 1818 issue representing one of the better-struck and better-preserved dates in the early Coronet Head run.
This period marks the post-War of 1812 recovery, where the Mint was regaining full operational strength, and cent production resumed with increased consistency. Many 1816–1820 cents survive in higher grades due to a famous 19th-century discovery known as the Randall Hoard—a large group of early U.S. cents found buried in a dry basement in New York before the Civil War.
Design Details
Obverse:
-
Portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
-
Thirteen stars encircle the bust, representing the original colonies.
-
The date “1818” is centered at the bottom.
Reverse:
-
Centered “ONE CENT” within a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon.
-
Around the edge: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
-
Edge is plain, typical of early copper cents.
Specifications
-
Designer: Robert Scot (Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint)
-
Composition: Copper (100%)
-
Diameter: ~29 mm
-
Weight: ~10.89 grams
-
Edge: Plain
-
Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
-
Mintage: ~3,167,000
Grade and Color Designation
-
MS63 (Mint State 63): Indicates a high-quality, uncirculated coin with full detail and some minor contact marks.
-
RB (Red-Brown): Reflects that approximately 15% to 85% of the coin retains its original red mint luster. This adds substantial eye appeal compared to fully brown coins and is a major driver of market value.
