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 →