1819/(8) 1C Large Date, BN
Numismatic Insight
The 1819/(8) 1C Large Date, BN (Brown) cent is a fascinating coin from the era of early American coinage, reflective of the rich history of the United States Mint. This coin features an overdate, where the number “8” was initially punched into the die and later corrected to a “9.” This particular cent is part of the Coronet Head design series, a precursor to the famed Liberty Head profile cent.
Rarity and Mintage
Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1819/(8) Large Date cent is deemed somewhat scarce given its age and specific variety type. It's an important piece for collectors who specialize in early 19th-century U.S. coinage. According to PCGS CoinFacts, the coin carries the catalog number 1603. The recorded mintage for the 1819 cent, covering both overdates and regular strikes, is approximately 2,671,000 coins. However, as a distinct overdate variety, it appears less frequently in the market, adding to its desirability and premium valuation.
Historical Context
From a historical perspective, this coin was struck during a time when the United States was still in its infancy. Innovations and refinements in minting technology were evolving, and the overdate reflects the methodologies and human elements involved in early die production. Such coins offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by Mint engravers and die makers during James Monroe’s presidency.
Market Value and Provenance
In terms of valuation, the 1819/(8) 1C Large Date, BN commands a strong market presence. Values can vary significantly based on grade and condition, ranging from several hundred dollars for heavily circulated examples to several thousand dollars for those in higher-grade conditions. Notable sales have demonstrated a compelling interest among collectors, with auction records reflecting its potential value. Coins with strong provenance or those that have been well-preserved fetch higher premiums due to their scarcity in top grades. Prominent auction houses have seen these coins achieve significant premiums, a testament to their demand within the numismatic community. The value trajectory of such coins often mirrors broader trends in early copper coin collecting and specific interests in die varieties.
Numismatic Analysis
Numismatists value the 1819/(8) 1C Large Date, BN not only for its inherent rarity but also for its narrative within American numismatics. These coins, particularly with the large date feature and the overdate error, are compelling for specialists who focus on die varieties. Each piece offers a unique story, contributing to the larger mosaic of a collector’s assemblage of copper cents. This coin’s intricacies make it a desirable pursuit for collectors interested in early Mint practices and the artistic developments in U.S. coinage. Collectors viewing coins through the lens of die varieties and minting errors often regard this particular coin as a critical acquisition for enhancing the breadth and depth of their collections. In summary, the 1819/(8) 1C Large Date, BN remains a notable specimen for numismatic exploration, appreciated both for its technical curiosities and its place within the larger American historical narrative. With the continued interest in early U.S. copper, this coin remains a significant focus for numismatists and collectors alike.
