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The US Large Cent 1807/6 Large 7 Draped Bust, graded AG (About Good), is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history, reflecting a transitional period in the design of early American coinage. This coin, notable for its unique overdate and large seven denomination, offers valuable insights into the minting practices and artistic evolution of early 19th-century American currency.
Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1807/6 Large Cent belongs to the Draped Bust series, a significant design era for American large cents. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, was the primary facility responsible for producing the nation’s coinage during this period. The coin’s design and production reflect the craftsmanship and techniques employed by the Mint as it adapted to the growing demands of a young and expanding nation.
The obverse of the 1807/6 Large Cent features the Draped Bust design by engraver Robert Scott. Liberty is depicted facing left, adorned with a flowing gown and a ribbon tied in her hair. This depiction embodies the ideals of freedom and elegance that were central to American values. The “1807/6” overdate is a prominent feature on this coin, with the “6” visible beneath the “7,” indicating that the coin was struck in 1807 but uses a die from the previous year. This overdate adds a layer of historical intrigue to the coin, making it a particularly interesting piece for collectors and historians alike.
Surrounding Liberty’s portrait on the obverse are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen American colonies. The stars are arranged in a semi-circle, emphasizing the connection to the nation's founding and its early history. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above Liberty’s head, reinforcing the coin’s representation of American principles and values.
The reverse of the 1807/6 Large Cent features a large “1/100” fraction, indicating the coin’s value of one hundredth of a dollar. The fraction is surrounded by a laurel wreath, which includes elements of corn and wheat, representing the agrarian roots of early American society. This design choice underscores the importance of agriculture in the nation’s economy and the symbolic role of the wreath in celebrating American prosperity and resilience. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the wreath, affirming the coin’s status as legal tender and its role in the national monetary system.
The 1807/6 Large Cent was produced in a mintage of approximately 1.5 million coins. This figure reflects the demand for large cents during the early 19th century, when these coins were commonly used in everyday transactions. Despite the relatively high mintage, the specific characteristics of the 1807/6 issue, including the overdate and large fraction, contribute to its rarity and desirability among collectors. The AG grade indicates that the coin has experienced significant wear, yet it still retains sufficient detail to appreciate its historical and design significance.
The Draped Bust series, which includes the 1807/6 Large Cent, represents a key phase in the development of American coinage. The transition from earlier designs to the Draped Bust motif marked a shift towards more refined and symbolic representations of Liberty. The 1807/6 issue, with its distinctive overdate and large fraction features, offers a glimpse into the artistic and technical evolution of American currency during this era.
Collectors and numismatists value the 1807/6 Large Cent for its historical significance and unique design elements. The coin serves as a tangible link to the early years of American coinage and the artistic vision of its time. As an important piece of early American currency, the 1807/6 Large Cent continues to be a cherished item for those interested in the history and development of American money.