One of the first coins struck at the U.S. Mint was the Large Cent. This large, clunky copper coin was struck from 1793 to 1857, inclusive, with the exception of 1815, when a fire forced the closing of the Mint.
Three design types appeared in 1793, each an attempted improvement over the previous.
The first design, known as the 1793 "Chain" Cent, features a low-relief head of Liberty with fine, flowing locks of hair. The reverse shows a chain of fifteen links, connected in a never-ending loop. Initial reaction to the coins was quite negative: Liberty appeared to be in a fright and the chain was seen by many as representing bondage and slavery as opposed to strength and union.
As a result, Liberty's hair was strengthened and the chain was replaced with a wreath. Known as the 1793 "Wreath" Cent, this design fared little better than its predecessor and was soon replaced.
The "Liberty Cap" design turned out to be a little more enduring. Minted from 1794 to 1796, this design type is full of interesting varieties, many of them rare. In 1795, the weight of the Large Cent was reduced and the edge lettering was replaced with a plain edge. Some of the 1797 Large Cents have a curious "Gripped Edge."
In 1796, the "Draped Bust" design appeared. This type was minted until 1807. Rare dates in this type include the elusive 1799 and the popular 1804.
The "Classic Head" Large Cent ran from 1808 to 1814. Although none of the dates are rare, they are hard to find in nice condition.
The "Matron Head" design appeared in 1816 and lasted until 1839. Scarce dates include 1821 and 1823. Known as "Middle Dates", this series contains many interesting varieties that are of great interest to a large number of collectors. Certain rare varieties can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The final design type is the "Braided Hair" type of 1840 to 1857. The last year is both scarce as a date and popular as the last year of the denomination.
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