-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 14350
Checkout
The US Large Cent 1825 Coronet Head, graded AG, is a notable example of early American numismatic history from the early 19th century. This coin was minted during the latter years of the Coronet Head design series, which was a significant phase in American coinage. The Coronet Head design, introduced in 1816, represented a shift from the earlier Draped Bust design and featured a new portrayal of Liberty that reflected contemporary artistic tastes and national sentiments.
Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent was produced during a period of economic recovery and expansion in the United States. This era followed the War of 1812, during which the country faced significant economic challenges. By 1825, the Mint had stabilized its operations and was working to meet the growing demand for coinage as the nation’s economy rebounded. The production of the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent was part of this broader effort to provide sufficient currency for daily transactions and commerce.
The obverse design of the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent features a portrait of Liberty created by John Reich, who was the Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. Liberty is depicted facing left, wearing a coronet or tiara inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." The design is characterized by its classical elegance, with Liberty’s flowing hair and regal appearance symbolizing both beauty and the ideals of freedom. Surrounding the portrait are 13 stars, representing the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States, thereby emphasizing the country’s historical roots and unity.
Located just below Liberty's portrait is the date "1825," which indicates the year of minting. This detail is an important feature of the coin, helping to establish its historical context and differentiate it from other issues in the Coronet Head series. The obverse design, with its inscription and surrounding stars, reflects the artistic vision of John Reich and his efforts to create a coin that was both visually appealing and emblematic of American values.
The reverse of the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent displays a wreath composed of various agricultural products, including corn, wheat, and oak. The wreath encircles the denomination "1/100," which signifies that the coin is worth one-hundredth of a dollar. This design element highlights the importance of agriculture to the early American economy and symbolizes the agrarian heritage of the United States. The wreath is surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," which affirms the coin’s status as legal tender and underscores the nation’s identity.
The coin was struck on copper planchets, which were chosen for their durability and suitability for large denomination coins. The minting process of the time, which was conducted manually, resulted in variations in the quality of the strike and the level of detail on the coin. The 1825 Large Cent, graded AG (About Good), shows significant wear and loss of detail due to its time in circulation. The AG grade indicates that while the coin is identifiable, much of the finer detail on both the obverse and reverse has been worn down through use.
With an estimated mintage of approximately 1.6 million coins, the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent was produced in relatively high numbers compared to some other issues of the period. Despite this, many coins were heavily circulated, leading to fewer examples surviving in higher grades. The 1825 issue is therefore relatively common in lower grades, but remains a key piece for collectors interested in early American numismatics and the Coronet Head series.
The 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent holds significant historical and collectible value due to its design and the era in which it was produced. The transition from the Draped Bust design to the Coronet Head design represents an important evolution in American coinage, reflecting changes in artistic preferences and national identity. The 1825 coin, with its distinctive features and historical context, is an important part of the Coronet Head series and offers insights into early American minting practices.
Collectors value the 1825 Coronet Head Large Cent not only for its historical significance but also for its role in the development of American currency. The coin’s design, mintage, and historical background contribute to its appeal and its place in the study of early American numismatics. The 1825 Large Cent stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of early American coinage, and its place in the broader context of American financial history.