-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 21124
Checkout
The 1828 Coronet Head Large Cent is a significant coin in the history of U.S. coinage, notable for both its design and the economic context of its production. Struck during the early years of the U.S. Mint, this coin is part of the Coronet Head series, which was introduced in 1816. The 1828 cent features Lady Liberty on the obverse, her portrait adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." This design was a departure from earlier coinage designs and reflected the growing confidence and identity of the United States during a time of economic expansion and development. The 1828 cent, particularly in the "Small Date" variety, is a valuable piece for collectors due to its connection to the broader evolution of U.S. coinage.
The Coronet Head design was conceived by Christian Gobrecht, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It was created to replace the earlier Classic Head design, which had been in use for only a short period. Gobrecht's design for the Coronet Head was introduced in 1816 and remained in circulation until 1839. The design features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a coronet, a symbol of freedom and independence. Surrounding her are thirteen stars, which represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the coronet, and the date is placed directly beneath her portrait. The reverse of the coin depicts a wreath of laurel and oak, surrounding the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “ONE CENT.” These elements reflected the ideals of strength, unity, and liberty that were central to the nation’s identity at the time.
The 1828 Coronet Head cent was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the United States’ primary minting facility during the 19th century. As one of the first official coinages produced by the Mint, the 1828 cent is a symbol of the country’s growing ability to produce currency for its expanding economy. The coin was struck in copper, a metal chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness. The 1828 cent had a weight of 10.89 grams and a diameter of 29 millimeters. The coin was designed to meet the needs of everyday transactions, especially as the United States was undergoing significant economic growth. The 1828 cent was widely circulated, and large quantities were minted to keep pace with the increasing demand for currency. Although records on the exact mintage of the 1828 cent are not available, it is estimated that millions of these coins were produced.
The 1828 Coronet Head cent is particularly notable for its "Small Date" variety, which refers to the size and positioning of the digits in the date. The "Small Date" variety is distinguished by smaller digits, and the number "8" in the date appears closer to the bust of Lady Liberty than in other varieties of the 1828 cent. This subtle variation in the design has made the "Small Date" variety a highly sought-after coin for collectors. The 1828 "Small Date" variety is distinct from the "Large Date" variety, in which the digits are larger and more spaced out. The difference in size and placement of the digits is a product of the Mint’s attempts to standardize coin designs during this period. Although the distinction between the two varieties is not always immediately obvious, it is a key feature for numismatists who specialize in early American coins.
The mintage of the 1828 Coronet Head cent is significant, as it reflects the Mint’s attempt to produce enough coins to keep up with the country’s economic expansion. The exact mintage of the 1828 cent is unknown, but it is believed that millions of these coins were produced. While the coin was widely circulated, many were worn down through use, which has made well-preserved specimens more valuable to collectors. Because the 1828 cent was used extensively in daily transactions, it is not as rare as some other coins from the early 19th century, but it is still a highly collectible item, particularly for those seeking to complete a collection of U.S. large cents or early American coinage.
The condition of the 1828 Coronet Head cent plays a significant role in its value. In a Good-grade coin, the coin will show significant signs of wear and tear. The details of Lady Liberty’s portrait will be softened, and some of the finer details of her hair and face will be worn down. The word "LIBERTY" on her coronet may be partially or entirely worn away, and the stars surrounding her head will likely be faint or indistinct. The date "1828" may also show wear, making the digits harder to read. The reverse of the coin, which features the wreath and inscription, will also show signs of wear, and some of the finer details, such as the leaves in the wreath, may be faint or worn away. In a Good-grade coin, the coin’s design remains identifiable but is significantly worn from circulation.
The 1828 Coronet Head cent, particularly in the Good grade, remains an important coin for collectors due to its historical significance. Coins from the early 19th century, such as the 1828 cent, provide valuable insight into the country’s early economic practices and the development of the U.S. Mint. The design, featuring Lady Liberty and the wreath of laurel and oak, reflects the ideals of liberty, unity, and strength that were central to the nation’s identity at the time. Despite its wear, the 1828 cent in Good condition serves as a tangible link to the United States’ early history and the ongoing development of its coinage system.
The condition of the 1828 Coronet Head cent, especially in the Good grade, influences its value and desirability. While coins in lower grades such as Good are more affordable, they still offer collectors the chance to own a piece of early American history. Higher-grade examples of the 1828 Coronet Head cent, especially those in Uncirculated or MS grades, can command higher prices in the marketplace, but the coin in Good condition remains accessible to a wide range of collectors. The 1828 cent remains an essential piece for collectors of early American coins, especially for those interested in the Coronet Head series or the development of U.S. coinage during the 19th century.
In conclusion, the 1828 Coronet Head Large Cent is a significant coin in the history of U.S. coinage, reflecting both the ideals of the United States and the ongoing evolution of the country’s monetary system. Its design, particularly the "Small Date" variety, makes it a sought-after coin for collectors. Although the coin is often found in Good condition, its historical significance, along with its place in the broader context of U.S. coinage, makes it a valuable addition to any collection of early American coins. The 1828 Coronet Head cent is an important piece of U.S. numismatic history that remains highly regarded among collectors for its design, mintage, and connection to the early years of the United States Mint.