Design and Specifications of the Classic Head Cent

The Classic Head Cent, designed by John Reich, was introduced in 1808 as a replacement for the Draped Bust Cent. It was minted during a tumultuous period in American history, including the War of 1812. The series represents an important transitional design in early American coinage.
Weight 10.89 grams
Diameter 29 mm
Mint Marks None (all minted in Philadelphia)
Composition 100% copper
Obverse Design Left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a headband inscribed with 'LIBERTY'
Reverse Design A wreath surrounding the words 'ONE CENT' and the denomination '1/100'
Years of Minting 1808-1814

Collectibility and Rare Varieties

The condition of Classic Head Cents significantly impacts their value, with well-preserved examples being particularly rare due to the soft copper composition and primitive minting techniques of the era. Overdate varieties, such as the 1810/09, can command substantial premiums. The scarcity of high-grade specimens makes this series particularly challenging for collectors.
1809 222,867 minted; relatively scarce
1811 218,025 minted; considered scarce
1813 418,000 minted; key date of the series
1814 357,830 minted; scarce and in high demand

Explore Classic Head Cent Values by Year

1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814

Most Valuable Classic Head Cent

This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.

Coin Name Circulated Price Uncirculated Price
1810 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $75.00 – $10,000.00 –
1809 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $14,750.00 –
1812 Penny Large Date, BN (Regular Strike) $40.00 – $7,400.00 –
1814 Penny Plain 4, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $7,050.00 –
1808 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $70.00 – $7,750.00 –
1813 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $45.00 – $10,250.00 –
1810/09 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $80.00 – $12,750.00 –
1811 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $140.00 – $10,150.00 –
1812 Penny Small Date, BN (Regular Strike) $80.00 – $6,500.00 –
1811/0 Penny, BN (Regular Strike) $200.00 – $49,500.00 –
1814 Penny Crosslet 4, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $9,150.00 –
1808 Penny S-278, BN (Regular Strike) $150.00 – $8,750.00 –
1812 Penny S-289 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike) $75.00 – $7,250.00 –
1808 Penny Sheldon-277, BN (Regular Strike) $125.00 – $7,600.00 –
1808 Penny Sheldon-279, BN (Regular Strike) $150.00 – $8,500.00 –
1809 Penny Sheldon-280, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $13,250.00 –
1810/09 Penny, RB (Regular Strike) – $90,000.00
1810 Penny S-282, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $7,750.00 –
1810 Penny S-283, BN (Regular Strike) $135.00 – $9,000.00 –
1810 Penny S-284, BN (Regular Strike) $135.00 – $10,500.00 –
1810 Penny S-285, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $6,000.00 –
1811 Penny, RB (Regular Strike) – $20,000.00 – $140,000.00
1811 Penny, RD (Regular Strike) – $325,000.00
1811 Penny S-287, BN (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $9,750.00 –
1811 Penny S-287, RB (Regular Strike) – $75,000.00 – $140,000.00
1811 Penny S-287, RD (Regular Strike) – $450,000.00
1811/0 Penny S-286, BN (Regular Strike) $135.00 – $48,000.00 –
1812 Penny Small Date, RB (Regular Strike) – $28,000.00 – $60,000.00
1812 Penny S-290 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $6,000.00 –
1812 Penny S-291 Small Date, BN (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $4,500.00 –
1812 Penny S-288 Large Date, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $7,250.00 –
1813 Penny S-292, BN (Regular Strike) $85.00 – $10,250.00 –
1813 Penny S-293, BN (Regular Strike) $85.00 – $13,250.00 –
1813 Penny S-293, RB (Regular Strike) – $120,000.00
1814 Penny Plain 4, RB (Regular Strike) – $45,000.00
1814 Penny S-294 Crosslet 4, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $9,150.00 –
1814 Penny Sheldon-295 Plain 4, BN (Regular Strike) $110.00 – $7,050.00 –

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Chris McPherson is a lifelong collector turned shop owner who opened ChrisMcPherson's Souvenir Shop in 2005. With over 20 years as a professional antique dealer and appraiser, Chris expertly curates a selection of the most unique political, pop culture, and historic collectibles available. His passion is hunting one-of-a-kind artifacts and sharing the fascinating stories behind them. Chris graduated with a BA in American History, informing his specialty in political memorabilia. As a seasoned antique hunter, Chris utilizes his skills to deliver an ever-changing inventory of must-see relics and conversation pieces to his shop.

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