Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: Liberty facing left, wearing a headband inscribed LIBERTY.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1808-1814 Classic Head Large Cent
Classic Head large cents are short-lived early copper issues that often show planchet and surface problems.
Classic Head Large Cent history
John Reich’s Classic Head large cent was produced from 1808 through 1814. The series used a softer, more refined portrait of Liberty than the preceding Draped Bust cent, but many coins were struck on planchets of uneven quality. Several overdates and date-style varieties developed during the short run. No cents were struck in 1815, and when production resumed in 1816 the Mint introduced the Coronet or Matron Head design.