Coronet Head Cent

1816 - 1839

Specimens Now Available on eBay

The Coronet Head Cent was the design of the same Robert Scot whose work (and age) so frustrated Director Patterson eight years prior. That Scot was brought back at all was largely due to the departure of the similarly frustrated Assistant Engraver, John Reich, who had not achieved promotion to the position of Chief Engraver he had eagerly sought, and in the opinion of many, rightfully expected.

Scot produced a new design with a coronet in Liberty’s hair. This crown-like headgear was inscribed with the word “Liberty”. The coin’s reverse remained more or less as Reich had designed it – a simple wreath as its main element.

When introduced, the Coronet Head was derided as nearly every rendition of the goddess had been since the Chain Cent of 1793. Scot’s Liberty was homely, resembling – it was said later, a matronly ward boss. The alternative moniker for this coin is, accordingly, the Matron Head Cent.

For a frontier nation it is truly astonishing how often mere coinage offended artistic sensibilities. But, it is well to remember that the Mint is, and was, a highly political institution. It would not be surprising if “artistic” objections were posed by adversaries to weigh against prevailing office holders.

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