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 | $450 | $475 | $484 | $635 | $708 | $938 | $1,330.00 | $1,748.00 | $1,935.00 | $2,225.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Private Restrike | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,150.00 | $1,424.00 | $2,080.00 | $2,420.00 | $3,488.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Private Restrike | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | $4,100.00 | $5,725.00 | $8,050.00 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $290 | $595 | $857 | $2,493.00 | $3,590.00 | $8,240.00 | $19,995.00 | $20,950.00 | $36,250.00 | $48,700.00 |
| 1808 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $26,000.00 | $42,750.00 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $635 | $1,155.00 | $1,575.00 | $4,025.00 | $5,060.00 | $17,150.00 | $30,000.00 | $49,995.00 | -- | -- |
| 1809 | (None) Phil | Sheldon-280 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $22,500.00 | $37,500.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $295 | $603 | $995 | $2,228.00 | $3,500.00 | $9,515.00 | $16,175.00 | $26,300.00 | $33,000.00 | $43,700.00 |
| 1810 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $18,050.00 | $29,800.00 | $39,150.00 | $44,800.00 |
| 1810/09 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $282 | $652 | $1,020.00 | $2,570.00 | $5,235.00 | $12,550.00 | $19,550.00 | $42,000.00 | $46,200.00 | -- |
| 1810/09 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80,750.00 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $425 | $665 | $1,435.00 | $3,070.00 | $4,465.00 | $9,375.00 | $17,200.00 | $27,000.00 | $55,750.00 | -- |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $20,000.00 | $35,000.00 | $65,000.00 | $122,250.00 |
| 1811 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250,500.00 | -- |
| 1811/0 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $614 | $995 | $1,673.00 | $7,225.00 | $13,575.00 | $46,750.00 | $87,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1812 | (None) Phil | Small Date | BN | $235 | $483 | $882 | $1,843.00 | $3,015.00 | $7,490.00 | $16,600.00 | $22,700.00 | $41,250.00 | $56,200.00 |
History of the Classic Head Large Cent
The Classic Head Large Cent is one of the rarest and shortest-lived U.S. Large Cent designs, 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 and was minted from 1808 to 1814.
The obverse has a left-facing Liberty with curly hair, wearing a headband inscribed with “LIBERTY.” A wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge on the reverse. Key design modifications made by the U.S. Mint 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.
By 1816, the series was discontinued and replaced by the Coronet (Matron Head) Large Cent, partly because copper supplies were disrupted during the War of 1812, and further design refinements were needed.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1808: 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.
Notable Errors
- Overdates: 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.
Types of Collections
- Complete Date Runs (1808-1814): Collectors often seek to assemble the entire series of Classic Head Large Cents spanning these years.
- Condition-Based Collections: Due to the often poor metal quality and planchet issues, finding high-grade Classic Head Large Cents is challenging. Collections can focus on coins with sharp details, minimal corrosion, or specific grading levels ranging from VG to MS.
- Variety Collections: There are several die and design varieties by year, including multiple varieties for years like 1808, 1810, 1811, 1812, and 1814. Collectors can aim to get all varieties within a specific year.
- Historical and Design Collections: Some collectors focus on the design evolution of Liberty’s depiction by John Reich, or specific mint-related characteristics such as planchet color and strike quality.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Beginners can explore Classic Head Large Cents by focusing on affordable circulated examples found at auctions, conventions, or reputable dealers. Look for clear Liberty hair details, legible dates, and a well-defined wreath. Choose problem-free pieces with minimal corrosion; early planchets often show surface issues. Store coins in holders to limit oxidation.
Advanced Collecting
This series is better suited to experienced collectors because high-grade and uncirculated pieces are scarce and expensive. Minted from 1808 to 1814 in limited numbers and often struck on copper planchets of varying quality, many surviving coins show heavy wear. Securing top-quality examples requires expertise, patience, and a substantial budget.
Investment Potential
High-grade examples and scarce varieties of the Classic Head Large Cent often command premium prices in the numismatic marketplace. Coins such as the 1808, 1810/09, 1811, and 1814 Crosslet 4 issues are popular with collectors because of their limited mintages and low survival rates.