Learn More About U.S. Large Cents

The U.S. Large Cent is a popular coin among numismatists (coin collectors). Originally worth 1/100th of a dollar, these large pennies were first minted in 1793 and were nearly the size of a half-dollar in diameter. All Large Cents were produced from copper and minted in Philadelphia. In 1857 their cumbersome size was replaced with smaller one-cent coins. How much is a Large Cent worth? Depending on the date, mintage, and condition, a U.S. Large Cent can be worth anywhere from one dollar to several thousands of dollars today. 

Designs:

• Flowing Hair / Chain Reverse (1793) – Designed by Henry Voigt.
• Flowing Hair / Wreath Reverse (1793) – Designed by Adam Eckfeldt, after David Rittenhouse.
• Liberty Cap / Laurel Wreath Reverse (1793-1796) – Designed by Joseph Wright, Robert Scot, John Smith Gardner.
• Draped Bust / Olive Wreath Reverse (1796-1807) – Designed by Robert Scot.
• Classic Head / Olive Wreath Reverse (1808-1814) – Designed by John Reich.
• Matron Head with Stars / Olive Wreath Reverse (1816-1857) – Designed by Robert Scot (1816-1836); Christian Gobrecht (1837-1839)
• Braided Hair / Olive Wreath Reverse (1839-1857) – Designed by Christian Gobrecht.