Large Cent Design Changes

[coop]

Design changes were unique and sometimes often on the Large Cents. The first year saw two different designs. The later years changed in periods. I can't afford to buy these coins so I borrowed a few images to help all see the way the Large Cent changed. Thanks to :
The following individuals for their images. Love for the Cent is why we like so much.
Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse (1793)
Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions
Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse (1793)
Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions
Liberty Cap (1793-1796)
Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
Draped Bust (1796-1807)
Images courtesy of Superior Galleries
Classic Head (1808-1814)
Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
Matron Head (1816-1839)
Images courtesy of David Akers Numismatics
Braided Hair (1839-1857)
Images courtesy Heritage Numismatic Auctions

[Jack]

Coop I would like to add some of those to my collection, however like you I cant afford some of the better ones.
Jack

[coop]

I wish they would go back to the classic designs. They are works of art. But being larger may have been a better thing. One of these days they will get rid of all currency except the larger bills. $20-$100. The rest of the change will probably be used on a gift card you purchase and use that and use the currency to buy them. Each card will have a max of $20, so if you lose one, your only out the max of $20. When the card goes empty you just re-load the card again or get a new one if the old ones start to age. Pay with bills, rest of the change on the card. Eliminate the need for Change and Lower denomination bills. You could transfer money to the card from you checking/saving account, but no one has access to your bank account as the card will be the only means of paying with your small change. Bills/debit/credit cards would be a second option besides cash.... (Probably giving my secret of this invention away) But I never find/get/have/receive anything that I didn't work hard to get. Just my lot in life.

[Bob P]

It's amazing how you can start this thread talking about the classic large cents, and end up with debit cards That's Mr. Coop for ya!
Anyway Coop, very nice photos and information. I have managed to pick p a few nice large cents over the years. Most of them are repunched date varieties. They have always been some of my favorites.

[coop]

I guess it is the theory, that changes happen slowly, but the improvements made to the modern coinage, the real hard core collector does approve of the classic designs of the Liberty designs best. Why they don't go that direct again still puzzles me. Again, these images I borrowed from different sources, and edited to my taste. I was thinking of covering other coins also. It just takes some time to find images that I can work with, and time to edit them. But a story of the changes helps us to appreciate their beauty. So Please, Give us back the classic look to coinage while they still exist......

[Bob P]

I couldn't agree more Coop. The beauty of our early coinage is unparalleled as far as I am concerned. Notice that it was an early design that made a re-appearance on the Silver and Gold bullion coinage started in 1986. Most people don't look at the coins like we do, but I do yearn for the early designs again. They were (simply put) beautiful.