Coin Identifier
Classic Head Large Cent — obverse
Obverse
Classic Head Large Cent — reverse
Reverse
1 Cent

Classic Head Large Cent

United States · 1808-1814

A heavily worn and corroded copper large cent showing traces of the obverse or reverse design with heavy environmental patina.

Country
United States
Year
1808-1814
Denomination
1 Cent
Metal
100% Copper
Grade
Poor / Fair (heavy wear, environmental damage, and verdigris corrosion)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

A heavily worn and corroded copper large cent showing traces of the obverse or reverse design with heavy environmental patina.

Historical significance

Minted during the presidency of James Madison, the Classic Head large cent series was relatively short-lived, designed by John Reich and produced just prior to the War of 1812.

Obverse (front)

Draped bust of Liberty facing right wearing a head fillet inscribed with LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars with the date below.

Reverse (back)

ONE CENT enclosed within a wreath, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Estimated value

$10-$30 in heavily worn/damaged condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, distinctness of date, and specific year/die variety heavily dictate value.

Grade assessment

Poor / Fair (heavy wear, environmental damage, and verdigris corrosion)

Mintage & rarity

Varies by year, generally scarce to rare due to low mintages, though heavily worn pieces are more common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight and dimensions; counterfeit early US coppers do exist but heavily worn common dates are rarely faked unless they are rare varieties.

Notable varieties & errors

Various overdates and die pairings exist for the 1808-1814 series.

Similar coins

Draped Bust Large Cent and Matron Head Large Cent

Care & preservation

Store in a stable, dry environment. Do not attempt to clean or remove corrosion as this will destroy any remaining numismatic value.