Classic Head Large Cent (1808-1814)
Mint Mark Information

In 1807 the US Mint hired German immigrant John Reich as Assistant Engraver to John Scot. Director Robert Patterson set Reich to work on new designs for the full spectrum on United States coins.

Reich’s vision of the cent came into being in 1808. The obverse featured Lady Liberty with curly hair, adorned with a conspicuous headband inscribed with the word “Liberty”. This design was employed until 1814.

Numismatist Ebenezer Locke Mason Jr. published a magazine in 1868 in which he described the cent of 1808-14 as the “Classic Head” large cent. He did this because Liberty’s headband reminded many of the attire worn by ancient Greeks, thus the “classical” connotation. Mason’s description eventually became standard coin collecting vocabulary.

Interestingly, only male athletes in Greece wore a headband (more properly called a fillet). The Mint was taunted for depicting Lady Liberty in men's clothing, which may have led to the premature demise of the Classic Head Large Cent.

Classic Head Large Cent Obverse

Classic Head Large Cent
Reverse

The following table indicates there are no Mint Marks to be found on the Classic Head Large Cent:

The only facility where Classic Head Large Cents were produced was the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a Mint Mark to indicate place of origen until the 20th century. The coin photos at right were provided by courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

There are not any especially rare key dates in the Classic Head Large Cent series, but that doesn't mean collectors have no interest. A problem free specimen will garner respect from all numismatists. One point to remember: The copper used in the coining of Classic Head Cents was of a softer, inferior quality, which lead to premature wear. High grade examples from this group are tough to find and quite valuable. The link below will pull up all certified Classic Head Cents currently for sale on eBay:

Classic Head Large Cents