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The 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent, specifically the "of 1836" variety, is an important issue in the history of U.S. coinage. Struck during the early years of the U.S. Mint, the Coronet Head design series marked a significant shift in the country’s coinage history. This particular issue, with its subtle but important connection to the 1836 design, remains a noteworthy example of early U.S. minting. Though the coin was produced in relatively large numbers, its place in the larger context of U.S. coinage makes it a desirable piece for collectors, especially those focusing on early American coins.
The Coronet Head design was introduced in 1816 and remained in circulation until 1839, when it was replaced by the Braided Hair design. Created by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht, the Coronet Head series featured Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” symbolizing freedom and the evolving identity of the United States. The design was part of an ongoing effort to update the country’s coinage, especially as the United States expanded and began to modernize its monetary system. The 1835 Coronet Head cent, though part of this larger effort, has its own unique place in history due to its connection to the "of 1836" variety. This connection is subtle yet important for collectors of U.S. coins.
The 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent was struck in copper, the material that had been used for U.S. cents since the establishment of the Mint in 1792. The coin had a diameter of 29 millimeters and weighed approximately 10.89 grams. It was intended for everyday use in the growing American economy, which required a steady supply of small change for daily transactions. The Mint produced large quantities of these coins to meet the demand. However, despite the relatively high mintage, the 1835 issue stands out for its link to the 1836 redesign that would later influence the coin’s subsequent variations. The coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the main facility for coin production in the early 19th century.
The design of the 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent is typical of the Coronet Head series. On the obverse, the portrait of Lady Liberty, facing left, is depicted wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The stars surrounding her head represent the original thirteen colonies, symbolizing the unity of the United States. Below her portrait is the date “1835,” marking the year the coin was minted. The reverse of the coin features a wreath made of laurel and oak, two symbols of honor and strength, surrounding the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “ONE CENT.” The overall design reflects both the ideals of freedom and the strength of the growing nation, making it an iconic example of early U.S. coinage.
The “of 1836” variety of the 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent refers to the subtle change in the size of the digits in the year. This variation was part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Mint to standardize coin designs and make them more consistent across different years. While the difference between the "of 1835" and "of 1836" varieties may seem small, it is important in the context of U.S. numismatics. The slight adjustment in the design of the date was not widely noticed at the time but has since been identified as a key feature for collectors of early U.S. coins. This variation adds an extra layer of interest for those who study the finer details of U.S. coin history.
The mintage of the 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent is estimated at around 5 million pieces, a significant number for the time. However, the 1835 cent is not as rare as other varieties from earlier years, though its connection to the "of 1836" design makes it a valuable coin in certain numismatic circles. The large mintage means that the coin was widely circulated, but the wear and tear of daily use has reduced the number of well-preserved specimens. In particular, coins in higher grades are more difficult to find, making well-preserved examples of the 1835 cent, especially in the "of 1836" variety, highly sought after by collectors. The coin's relatively high mintage, however, does mean that it remains relatively affordable for collectors looking to add it to their collections.
The 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent in Good condition is a coin that shows significant signs of wear but still retains some recognizable features. In this grade, the central design elements, including Lady Liberty’s portrait, the word “LIBERTY” on her coronet, and the date “1835,” are discernible but softened by circulation. The stars around Liberty’s head may be faint or partially worn away, and some of the finer details of her hair may have been lost. The reverse design, featuring the wreath and the inscription, remains visible, but the text may be faint, and some of the finer details, such as the oak and laurel leaves, may be less distinct. Coins in the Good grade are typically affordable and provide collectors with the opportunity to acquire a piece of early U.S. coinage history, albeit with some noticeable wear.
The condition of the 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent, especially in the Good grade, plays an important role in determining its market value and collectability. While coins in lower grades like Good are less expensive, they still offer significant historical value, especially for collectors who seek to obtain representative examples of early U.S. coins. The 1835 cent, with its important place in the history of U.S. coinage, remains a desirable coin even in lower-grade conditions. As with all early coins, the rarity and desirability of a particular coin increase with higher grades, and more pristine examples of the 1835 Coronet Head cent in higher grades can command higher prices in the marketplace.
The 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent, particularly in the "of 1836" variety, is an important coin in U.S. numismatic history. Its design, which symbolizes the ideals of liberty and strength, makes it a valuable addition to any collection of early American currency. While the coin shows significant wear in the Good grade, it still serves as an important reminder of the early years of the U.S. Mint and the development of the nation’s monetary system. The subtle variation in the design of the date, known as the "of 1836" variety, adds to the coin’s appeal and rarity, making it a prized piece for collectors. Despite the wear typical of coins in the Good grade, the 1835 cent remains an important part of the history of American coinage.
In conclusion, the 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent is a fascinating and historically significant coin. Its role in the development of U.S. coinage, coupled with its distinct design and mintage, makes it an essential piece for collectors of early American currency. The "of 1836" variety, with its slight design change, adds a layer of intrigue for numismatists, while the coin’s symbolic design of liberty and unity reflects the ideals of the United States at the time. The 1835 Coronet Head Large Cent remains an important coin for anyone interested in the history of American currency, and even coins in Good condition retain their value as part of the broader narrative of U.S. numismatics.