1835 1C Large 8, Stars, BN
The 1835 1C Large 8, Stars, BN (Regular Strike) is a remarkable piece of numismatic history, highly sought after by collectors today. This penny exemplifies the diligent workmanship of the U.S. Mint during the early 19th century and remains a fascinating artifact from this era.
Mint and Mintage:
The 1835 Classic Head Large Cent was minted in Philadelphia, the sole producer of U.S. coins at the time. The total mintage for this year reached a significant 3,878,400 pieces. While seemingly plentiful, the specific "Large 8, Stars" variety accounts for only a portion of this total, making exact estimations of its mintage particularly challenging and adding to its allure among collectors.
PCGS Identification:
According to PCGS CoinFacts, this coin is cataloged as PCGS #1707. This identification is crucial for collectors and dealers alike when verifying authenticity and grading.
Rarity and Value:
The 1835 1C Large 8, Stars, BN is considered relatively scarce, especially in higher grades. It is most often encountered in grades ranging from Good (G) to Very Fine (VF), with prices escalating in the Extremely Fine (XF) or higher conditions. The rarity factor significantly spikes with coins exhibiting original surfaces without corrosion, which is relatively common with copper coins of this age due to environmental factors over the centuries.
Market Performance:
Over recent years, this specific type has seen various auction results. Specimens in lower grades generally fetch around $50 to $100, while attractive XF coins might range from $150 to $300. High-grade pieces, especially those in AU or Mint State, can command prices upwards of several hundred dollars, depending on the quality of the strike and eye appeal. Specific auction results have recorded sales in the range of $500 to $1,000 and beyond when the coin exhibits exceptional characteristics and has provenance or a continuous chain of ownership, adding to its desirability.
Historical Context:
From a numismatic point of view, the 1835 Large Cent is a part of the Classic Head series, introduced by Chief Engraver William Kneass in 1808. This particular design ran from 1808 until 1839, marking a transition between the earlier Draped Bust and the subsequent Braided Hair design. The "Large 8" denomination indicates the significant and distinctive size of the numeral '8' in the date, providing a visual distinction from other varieties within the same year.
Collector Interest:
The coin continues to garner interest due to its historical significance and as a tangible link to America's growth during the early 19th century. These large cents often circulated widely, contributing greatly to commerce. The 1835 variant, with its unique features, tends to attract both type collectors interested in the Classic Head design and those focused on acquiring complete date runs of early U.S. cents. Preservation of this coin type is often tempered by the natural tarnishing of copper, where 'BN' indicates a Brown designation, reflective of the natural patina developed over nearly two centuries. Despite these challenges, the allure of the 1835 1C Large 8, Stars, BN remains robust, supported by a combination of history, design, and rarity in higher grades.
