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The 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent is a significant coin in the early history of the U.S. Mint, representing a period of transition in both the nation’s monetary system and the designs used on its coinage. Struck during a time of rapid economic and territorial expansion, this coin reflects the ideals of liberty and the growth of the young nation. The Coronet Head series, introduced in 1816 by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, marked a departure from earlier designs and became one of the most iconic of the early U.S. Mint issues. The 1819 cent, especially in the "Small Date" variety, holds particular importance for collectors and numismatists interested in early American coinage.
The Coronet Head design was the result of a push for new coinage designs that would symbolize the nation’s emerging identity and unity. Lady Liberty is depicted wearing a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," and the surrounding stars represent the original thirteen American colonies. The coronet design was meant to reflect the ideals of freedom and liberty, core values that were central to the identity of the United States. The 1819 cent was minted as part of this effort, but it also marked the introduction of a subtle variation in the design: the "Small Date" variety. This variation would become significant for collectors, as it indicated a slight modification in the placement and size of the digits in the date.
The U.S. Mint produced the 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent at its Philadelphia facility, the first and only U.S. Mint at the time. Philadelphia was the capital of the United States and the central hub for coin production in the early 19th century. The Mint had been founded in 1792 with the goal of establishing a stable national currency, and by 1819, the Mint was producing a wide range of coins, including cents, half dollars, and silver dollars. The 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent, struck in copper, weighed 10.89 grams and had a diameter of 29 millimeters, making it larger than many of the smaller coins that would follow in later years. It was designed to provide the general public with a readily usable form of currency, as the U.S. economy was expanding and the need for coins was growing.
The 1819 Coronet Head cent was produced with the aim of meeting the economic needs of the United States during a time of both expansion and growth. With a high mintage of several million pieces, the coin circulated widely across the country. However, due to the wear and tear that these coins experienced through years of use, only a fraction of the original mintage remains in good condition today. The 1819 cent is typically found in various states of wear, from well-worn coins in lower grades to those in better condition. The "Small Date" variety stands out among other 1819 cents, as it marks a design variation that collectors value highly. It was created by adjusting the size and positioning of the digits, particularly the "9" in the date, which was made smaller compared to other varieties. This small but significant difference has led to the recognition of the "Small Date" as a unique and collectible variety of the 1819 Coronet Head cent.
As with many early U.S. coins, the 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent features an obverse design that includes a portrait of Lady Liberty. The artistically rendered portrait shows Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY." Surrounding her are thirteen stars, each symbolizing one of the original American colonies. The date "1819" appears below her portrait, with the "Small Date" variety being particularly significant because the digits in the year are closer together and appear smaller than on other variations of the 1819 cent. On the reverse, a laurel and oak wreath encircles the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "ONE CENT." The wreath is symbolic of honor, strength, and unity, reinforcing the themes of liberty and national pride reflected on the obverse. The overall design of the coin was both elegant and symbolic, reflecting the nation’s growth and ideals.
The mintage of the 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent is estimated at 7.5 million coins, which was a relatively high number for the time. Despite this large mintage, many of the coins were lost to time or wore down significantly through circulation, which has made higher-grade examples more difficult to find. The "Small Date" variety, with its subtle yet important difference, has become particularly sought after by collectors of early American coinage. The high mintage also means that the 1819 Coronet Head cent is not as rare as other coins from the early years of the U.S. Mint, but its historical significance and the "Small Date" feature make it an attractive piece for numismatists.
The 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent in Very Good (VG) condition is a coin that shows noticeable wear but still retains enough detail for identification. In this grade, Lady Liberty’s portrait is softened, and many of the finer details, such as her hair and the inscription on the coronet, may be faint or worn away. The stars around her head may also be faint, and some of the word "LIBERTY" on her coronet might be unreadable. The date "1819" is still legible but may be worn, and some of the finer details of the digits may be missing. The reverse design, featuring the wreath, remains visible, but much of the fine detail is worn away, making the leaves in the laurel and oak wreath less distinct. Despite this, the coin is still a recognizable example of early U.S. coinage, and it remains valuable for collectors who are interested in completing their collections of early large cents.
The condition of the 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent plays a crucial role in determining its value on the market. Coins in lower grades, such as Very Good, are typically less expensive than those in higher grades, but they still hold significant historical value. Coins from the early years of the U.S. Mint, such as the 1819 cent, provide valuable insight into the development of the country’s coinage system. The "Small Date" variety further adds to the desirability of the coin, as it represents a specific design change that is of interest to collectors. While the coin in Very Good condition shows considerable signs of wear, it still remains a piece of early U.S. coinage and a tangible representation of the nation’s growth.
The 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent, especially in the "Small Date" variety, is a coin that holds historical significance. It reflects a time in U.S. coinage history when the Mint was striving to create standardized designs and coins that reflected the nation’s growing economy and expanding territories. Despite the wear and tear from circulation, the coin remains a valuable collectible for those interested in early American coins. The "Small Date" variety adds an extra layer of interest, making the 1819 Coronet Head cent an essential piece for collectors of early U.S. currency.
In conclusion, the 1819 Coronet Head Large Cent is a key coin in the history of U.S. coinage. Its design, which symbolized the ideals of liberty and unity, is iconic in American numismatics. The "Small Date" variety, with its subtle design change, adds to the coin’s rarity and desirability. Despite its wear in lower grades, the coin remains an important representation of early U.S. coinage, and its connection to the growing nation and the U.S. Mint’s evolution makes it a valued addition to any collection. The 1819 Coronet Head cent, particularly the "Small Date" variety, is a must-have for collectors of early American coins, offering a tangible link to the United States’ formative years.