Everything on Error Coins and Banknotes!
Indian Head Cents replaced the Flying Eagle Cent in 1859. The obverse depiction of a putative American Indian is actually a head of Liberty with an Indian chief’s headdress. In 1860, the wreath was altered and a small shield was added to the top of the reverse.
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Small Cent collecting is enjoyed by perhaps more coin collectors than any other field of coins other than Morgan silver dollars.
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Braided Hair large cents first appeared in 1839 as a modification to the old Matron head design. The most obvious difference between the two, besides the shape of the head, is the braiding of the hair from Liberty’s ear to her forehead.
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1816 is the first year of what is known as the Middle Dates in the large cent series, encompassing the period from 1816 to 1839.
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John Reich’s Classic Head design entered the large cent world in 1808 and was issued every year from 1808-1814 inclusive. All dates in this series are of relatively equal rarity, with none being particularly valuable.
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Ron Guth: The Draped Bust large cent first appeared in mid-1796 as a replacement for the former Liberty Cap design. The
Read moreRon Guth: The Flowing Hair large cent type includes several interesting and completely different subtypes. First among them is the Chain
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The Braided Hair half cents boast some of the lowest mintages of any U.S. coin types. Some collectors, especially those who have an affinity for this denomination, believe they are among the best values, as well. From 1840 to 1849, only proof examples were struck, thus the first circulation strikes did not appear until 1849.
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Half cents of 1809 sported a new look, with a matronly bust of Liberty facing left and a modified wreath on the reverse. The new design, by John Reich, lasted until 1836, although half cents were not minted from 1812-1824, in 1827 and 1830. The key dates of this type are 1831 and 1836.
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The United States minted Half Cents intermittently between 1793 and 1857. While this unusual denomination might seem useless today, it was an important part of our monetary system back when working wages were $1 per 10-hour day.
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