1826/5 1C, Coronet Head Cent
The 1826/5 1C Coronet Head Large Cent represents a compelling chapter in the large-cent era of U.S. copper coinage, combining an interesting over-date variety with the classic “Matron Head” bust of Liberty produced by the Philadelphia Mint. First, the basic specifications: it is struck in 100 % copper, weighs approximately 10.89 g and measures roughly 28.00 mm in diameter.
Historical & Technical Context
The “Coronet Head” (also called Matron Head) large cents were struck from 1816 through 1839, following the earlier Classic Head large cents.The 1826/5 date is an over-date variety: the numeral “5” appears faintly beneath the “6” of the date, signalling an earlier date that was modified for the new production run. According to the grading authority Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), early die states of the 1826/5 show a clear undertype of “5” beneath the “6”, along with a diagnostic small die chip separated from the inner point of the 13th star. As the die state progresses, the over-date clarity softens and may resemble die-crumbling. The mintage is reported at 1,517,425 coins for the 1826 date, and the over-date variant (1826/5) is considered scarce relative to the standard 1826 large cent.
Die Variety & Identification
For serious numismatists, the variety is typically listed as Newcomb 8 for the 1826/5. When evaluating an example, key diagnostics include:
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On the obverse, a faint “5” should appear under the “6” in the date in early states.
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A small die chip or break near the inner point of the 13th star (counting from Liberty’s head) is another strong indicator.
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Later die states may lose the clear “5” heel and instead show a softened or blobby area under the “6”.
Condition, Strike & Eye-Appeal
When assessing any specimen of the 1826/5 large cent, one should prioritise strong strike, full Liberty hair detail and crisp leaves in the reverse wreath. Because of the copper mass and the typical planchets of the era, many pieces show weakened rims or softened devices. Premium pieces will still show the ribbon in Liberty’s hair, the pearls in the coronet, and well-defined star points.
Colour designation also plays a critical role: examples in Red (RD) or Red-Brown (RB) often command premium consideration over standard Brown (BN) examples. PCGS notes that Red/Brown and Red examples of the 1826/5 may be extremely rare or possibly non-existent in certified form. For any offering you present on your website, emphasise the luster (often a satiny semi-reflective field) and even, mellow shades of copper that avoid heavy spotting or corrosion.
Rarity & Survival Estimates
PCGS assigns the 1826/5 large cent a survival-estimate ranking that reflects its relative scarcity: all-grades it is listed roughly as “1 / 41” (i.e., one in forty-one of large-cent types in this series). In plain terms: while not the scarcest of large cents, this variety moves into the premium tier for specialists. For your site, emphasise that certified examples above AU-58/MS-60 are limited, and fully red-colour examples may be virtually absent in high grade.
Collectability & Market Position
From a collector-development standpoint, the 1826/5 large cent appeals to those specialising in early copper, over-dates, or die-variety niches. On a numismatic retail site (such as your own), you should articulate that this coin bridges the “common date” 1826 large cent and the more advanced variety niche of early large centra. Highlighting “over-date variety large cent (1826/5) – sought after by die-variety-focused collectors” will engage the right demographic.
