1830 1C Large Letters, BN
The 1830 1C Large Letters, BN (Regular Strike) is a fascinating and highly sought-after variety from the Classic Head Large Cent series. This coin marks an era when the Philadelphia Mint was the sole producer of coinage in the United States. The 1830 edition is particularly significant to collectors for its historical context, design characteristics, and the rarity of surviving specimens in various grades.
Numismatic Significance
The 1830 Large Cent is part of the Classic Head series, which was minted from 1808 to 1835. Designed by John Reich, these coins were created during a time of developing U.S. infrastructure and economic expansion. The "Large Letters" attribute refers to the size and style of the lettering used in the legend on the obverse and reverse. Coins from this period often reveal much about the technological constraints and artistic design choices of early 19th-century minting.
Mint and Mintage
Mint Location: Philadelphia Total Mintage: Approximately 2,262,000 While this mintage figure might seem relatively high compared to other 19th-century coins, the survival rate, especially in better conditions, is considerably low. Coins were heavily circulated, and many were melted down or lost, making high-grade examples scarce.
PCGS Information
PCGS Number: 1672 This number is used by collectors and dealers to identify this particular coin variety within the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) database. The PCGS grading provides assurance of authenticity and helps in determining the coin's value based on its condition.
Historical Market Performance
The 1830 1C Large Letters can fetch substantial amounts at auction depending on its grade. Here are some indicative values with corresponding conditions: Good (G-4): Valued in lower hundreds, these coins often display significant wear but maintain the date and major design elements. Very Fine (VF-20): Prices can increase into the mid-hundreds, with more detail visible in the hair and other key areas. Mint State (MS-63+): These rare, well-preserved examples can command prices in the thousands. Such coins exhibit full detail with minimal signs of handling. Noteworthy auction sales have seen these coins reaching premium prices, especially when provenance or unique attributes such as toning or error qualities are present.
Collector Interest and Rarity
The 1830 Large Cent is highly esteemed among numismatists due to its age, design, and the challenges posed in assembling a complete collection of Classic Head cents. Its rarity is compounded at the upper end of the condition spectrum, making it a prized possession for those looking to add distinguished early American copper to their collection. The allure of coins like the 1830 1C Large Letters is not only in their monetary value but also in their ability to connect us with the past. They offer a tangible link to the economic history and artistic endeavors of the early United States, embodying the spirit of an era when the nation was still forging its identity. The 1830 1C Large Letters remains an enduring symbol of numismatic elegance and challenges collectors to appreciate the subtle intricacies of early U.S. minting processes and the value these coins hold in today's market.
