Classic Head Large Cent Values
How Much Classic Head Large Cents are Worth: Classic Head Large Cent Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Private Restrike | BN | $435 | $475 | $500 | $635 | $700 | $1,050 | $1,234 | $1,798 | $2,110 | $2,518 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Private Restrike | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,150 | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,000 | $5,250 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Private Restrike | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,250 | $2,500 | $4,250 | $6,500 | $9,500 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $273 | $558 | $857 | $2,368 | $3,590 | $8,130 | $19,495 | $20,425 | $37,900 | $53,100 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $26,000 | $41,750 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $635 | $1,105 | $1,575 | $3,950 | $4,935 | $14,900 | $30,400 | $43,495 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | Sheldon-280 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $16,500 | $37,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $264 | $567 | $948 | $2,167 | $3,500 | $9,675 | $16,450 | $31,250 | $42,250 | $62,500 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $18,600 | $34,750 | $46,850 | $63,450 |
| 1810/09 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $277 | $603 | $989 | $2,570 | $5,235 | $12,550 | $19,550 | $42,000 | $46,200 | -- |
| 1810/09 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80,750 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $403 | $624 | $1,355 | $2,960 | $4,465 | $9,375 | $17,200 | $29,750 | $61,250 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $20,000 | $35,000 | $65,000 | $122,250 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250,500 | -- |
| 1811/0 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $589 | $995 | $1,673 | $7,225 | $15,500 | $60,500 | $92,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $230 | $470 | $832 | $1,843 | $3,015 | $7,380 | $15,550 | $21,175 | $42,900 | $60,600 |
Overview
The Classic Head Large Cent, minted from 1808 to 1814, is one of the rarest and shortest-lived U.S. Large Cent designs. Designed by John Reich, the obverse features a left-facing Liberty with curly hair, wearing a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY,” while the reverse displays a simple wreath encircling “ONE CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. Collectors prize Classic Head Large Cents for their historical significance, short production period, and key date rarities, making them a coveted addition to early U.S. coin collections.
History of the Classic Head Large Cent
The Classic Head Large Cent was introduced in 1808, replacing the Draped Bust Large Cent to refine U.S. coin designs. The new design by John Reich featured a more youthful and natural depiction of Liberty, with her hair tied by a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
Despite its improved artistic appeal, the Classic Head Large Cent suffered from poor metal quality and planchet issues. Many coins were struck on low-quality copper planchets, leading to excessive wear and corrosion over time.
By 1814, the series was discontinued and replaced by the Coronet (Matron Head) Large Cent, due to ongoing challenges with the copper supply and the need for further design refinements.
Collecting Classic Head Large Cent Coins
Collectors seek Classic Head Large Cents for their short series duration, unique design, and historical importance. Many examples are heavily worn, making high-grade specimens extremely valuable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1808 First-Year Issue – The inaugural year of the design, making it historically significant.
- 1810/09 Overdate – A scarce overdate variety, where 1810 was struck over an 1809 die.
- 1811 – A tough date to find in high grades due to low survival rates.
- 1812 Large Date & Small Date Varieties – Features noticeable differences in numeral size.
- 1814 Crosslet 4 & Plain 4 Varieties – Two distinct styles of the “4” in the date.
Additionally, collectors seek problem-free examples with minimal corrosion, as poor-quality planchets often resulted in surface degradation over time.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Classic Head Large Cents are extremely rare and typically found at major coin auctions, numismatic conventions, and reputable coin dealers.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for sharp Liberty hair details, strong date numerals, and full wreath definition on the reverse.
- Proper Storage: Store high-grade Classic Head Large Cents in certified holders or climate-controlled safes to prevent oxidation and preserve their surfaces.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1811 Classic Head Large Cent is one of the most difficult dates to find in high grades, as many examples are heavily worn. Additionally, the 1810/09 overdate and the 1814 Crosslet 4 variety are among the most desirable issues for collectors.
Investment Potential
The Classic Head Large Cent remains a strong investment option, particularly for high-grade examples, scarce varieties, and key dates. Coins such as 1808, 1810/09, 1811, and 1814 Crosslet 4 continue to appreciate in value due to their short mintage period and low survival rates.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1808 – The first year of the Classic Head design, highly collectible.
- 1810/09 Overdate – A notable variety where the last digit was overpunched.
- 1811 – A rare date with low availability in high grades.
- 1812 Large Date & Small Date – Features two distinct numeral sizes.
- 1814 Crosslet 4 & Plain 4 – Two distinct varieties, with the Crosslet 4 being the rarer of the two.
Notable Errors
- Overdates (e.g., 1810/09) – Features repunched date numerals, indicating die reuse.
- Clashed Dies – Some Classic Head Large Cents exhibit remnants of design elements from the reverse appearing faintly on the obverse.
- Weak Strikes – Due to early minting challenges, some examples show incomplete or faint details.
- Planchet Cracks & Flaws – Many Classic Head Large Cents were struck on low-quality planchets, leading to cracks and surface imperfections.
Design Features
The Classic Head Large Cent, designed by John Reich, features:
- Obverse: A left-facing Liberty with curly hair, wearing a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
- Reverse: A wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge.
Key design modifications include:
- 1812 Large & Small Date Variations: Differences in numeral sizing create collectible varieties.
- 1814 Crosslet vs. Plain 4: A subtle but sought-after design variation.
Conclusion
The Classic Head Large Cent is a historically significant and highly collectible U.S. coin, offering numismatists a mix of rare key dates, a distinctive design, and strong investment potential. Whether for historical appreciation, set-building, or investment, this series remains a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Understanding its rarities, design variations, and market trends helps collectors make informed decisions when acquiring Classic Head Large Cents.