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Large Cents – First American PenniesThe coins pictured above are American Large Cents. Each of the major design types of these coins are represented. These coins were minted from 1793 through 1857.These were simple coins of solid copper – copper that varied in availability, which accounts for the absence of any large cent dated 1815. There were none. The mint got copper from different sources – overseas from England’s Boulton & Watt, sometimes from Sweden, and domestically from the salvage of warships (copper spikes and sheathing), nails, kitchen paraphernalia. According to William Sheldon (one of the best known authorities on large cents), a pretty nice copper teapot and a serviceable pair of tongs were donated by George Washington. (Martha Washington is said to have donated some of her silverware for the first half-dimes, but that may be more of a legend than a fact. At any rate, it does seem like the Washington household went beyond the call of duty to keep the Mint supplied in metal…) Something else about the copper… it wasn’t always as pure as it should have been. This meant that the coins, even when new, would vary somewhat in appearance. Large cent collectors don’t see this as a problem. For one thing, it’s the variances in these coins that make them interesting. Aesthetically the large cents can be quite pleasing, especially in a group. Copper is a volatile metal that will produce incredible shades of color as it oxidizes. Look at the coins at the top of this page – some of them look like chocolate candy, though my personal favorite is the weirdly green 1817 in the lower left corner. The major large cent types shown above are: Flowing Hair, 1793This was the first regular issue US coin. Henry Voight the Chief Coiner, whose main concern was the mints machinery and its reliability. An engraver he was not, but he did the best he could. His Flowing Hair design was intended to express a feeling of liberty and freedom, but critics felt it lacked sophistication. Modern collectors don’t seem to object.Two reverse designs were created – the first, a simple chain of thirteen links that met with great public disapproval; the second, a wreath sketched by David Rittenhouse, Mint Director, and executed by Adam Eckfeldt. Liberty Cap, 1793 - 1796Joseph Wright was a well known portraitist who, after joining the mint staff, produced the Liberty Cap design. The cap is another way to denote freedom – it was worn by emancipated slaves in ancient Rome. Robert Scot and John Smith Gardner also produced renditions of the Wright original. The 1795 shown on this page was one of Gardner’s.Draped Bust, 1796 - 1807This was a Robert Scot design, following a drawing from Gilbert Stuart of Ann Willing, a Rhode Island woman he used as the model. It is a somewhat simplified version of the design used on the silver US coins of the time. Stuart was an accomplished portraitist. He was not happy with Scot’s execution of his drawing, and thereafter downplayed his association with the coinage.Classic Head, 1808 - 1814This design by John Reich was called the Classic Head because of the filet (ribbon) in Liberty’s hair. The filet was worn by Olympic athletes in ancient Greece. What may have slipped by designer Reich is that the filet was worn by male athletes only.Matron Head, 1816 - 1835Robert Scot’s design was considered “matronly” because of its heavier “older” style. Scot had a long career with the mint that critics refer to as a sinecure. Prior to his mint employment, Scot had been a designer of banknotes. His perceived limitations as a coin designer stem from the fact that he did not come to the mint with experience in die sinking or in making device punches.Coronet Head, 1836 -1857Christian Gobrecht’s Coronet Head cent has a more youthful appearance. The design also benefits from the steam powered coin presses installed at the mint in 1836.image of 1793 cent courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries. Images of 1795, 1802, 1814, 1817, and 1846 cents courtesy of Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Go to Top of Large Cents page… What is the History of the Penny? Go to Home page…
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