Large Cent (Coronet) Value
1816-1857 · 1¢ · 100% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $15.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $35.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $85.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $450.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,350 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $6,750 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1823 | Key date with very low surviving population, many corroded | $200–$5,000 |
| 1857 | Final year of the large cent, low mintage of 333,546 | $50–$350 |
| 1839 | Silly Head and Booby Head varieties highly collectible | $30–$800 |
| 1816 | First year after 1815 gap when no cents were produced | $25–$600 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Robert Scot / Christian Gobrecht
- Years
- 1816-1857
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- 100% copper
- Diameter
- 28.5 mm
- Weight
- 10.89 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Large Cent (Coronet): History & Background
The Coronet Large Cent, also known as the Matron Head type, was produced from 1816 to 1857 and represents one of the longest-running designs in early American coinage. Robert Scot originated the Coronet concept, and Christian Gobrecht refined the portrait in 1835 and again in 1843, creating the Petite Head and Mature Head subtypes. These hefty copper coins were nearly the size of a modern half dollar and became impractical as the price of copper rose, leading to their replacement by the smaller Flying Eagle cent. Today, collectors prize the many die varieties cataloged by Newcomb numbers, with early dates in higher grades commanding strong premiums.
How to Grade a Large Cent (Coronet)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Large Cent (Coronet) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Large Cent (Coronet)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $15.00 in Poor to $450.00 in Uncirculated — a 30× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $1,350 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Large Cent (Coronet) series has 4 notable key dates. The 1823 is valued at $200–$5,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 100% copper coin, the Large Cent (Coronet) derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Robert Scot / Christian Gobrecht, the Large Cent (Coronet) (28.5mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Large Cent (Coronet)
The Large Cent (Coronet) (1816-1857) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot / Christian Gobrecht, this 1¢ coin was struck in 100% copper with a diameter of 28.5mm and weight of 10.89 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Large Cent (Coronet) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $85.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Large Cent (Coronet) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $1,350+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Large Cent (Coronet) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Large Cent (Coronet): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Large Cent (Coronet) worth today?
A Large Cent (Coronet) (1816-1857) is worth between $15.00 in Poor condition and $450.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $85.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $1,350 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Large Cent (Coronet)?
The most valuable Large Cent (Coronet) is the 1823 — key date with very low surviving population, many corroded. This date is valued at $200–$5,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Large Cent (Coronet)?
Grading a Large Cent (Coronet) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$85.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$450.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Large Cent (Coronet)s?
For common-date Large Cent (Coronet)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Large Cent (Coronet)?
Yes. Known Large Cent (Coronet) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Large Cent (Coronet) is real?
Authentic Large Cent (Coronet)s weigh 10.89 grams and measure 28.5 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 100% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Large Cent (Coronet) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Large Cent (Coronet)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $415.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1823 command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Large Cent (Coronet)s were made?
The Large Cent (Coronet) was produced from 1816-1857. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1823 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Large Cent (Coronet)?
Never clean a Large Cent (Coronet) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Large Cent (Coronet) a good investment?
Large Cent (Coronet)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Large Cent (Coronet) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.