U.S. Mint coin reference

1816-1839 Matron Head Large Cent

Matron Head large cents are common enough for type collectors but include many scarcer dates and varieties.

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1816 1839 Matron Coronet Head Large Cent

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1816-1839

Country: United States

Denomination: One cent

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: Copper

Silver fineness: None

Silver weight: 0.00 oz ASW

Weight: 10.89 g

Diameter: 28-29 mm

Thickness: Approx. 2.0-2.5 mm

Edge: Plain

Designer: Robert Scot / John Reich style revisions

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and her hair tied behind the head.

Matron Head Large Cent history

The Matron Head, or Coronet Head, large cent began in 1816 when cent production resumed after the one-year interruption of 1815. The design continued the tradition of a Liberty portrait on a broad copper planchet, but its appearance was gradually modified by Mint engravers over the following two decades. Numerous date, lettering, and portrait varieties make the series especially popular with early-copper specialists. By 1839 the portrait had evolved into the Braided Hair design used for the final large cents.