1842 1C Small Date, BN (Regular Strike)
The 1842 1C Small Date, BN (Brown) Regular Strike is a fascinating piece for numismatists, falling within the rich historical context of the early 19th century United States coinage. This particular variety is known for its rarity due to subtle design differences compared to its Large Date counterpart. Minted in Philadelphia, the 1842 Small Date's mintage, as recorded, is part of the total 2,383,390 1-cent coins produced in that year. However, only a fraction of these are of the Small Date variety. Numismatically, the 1842 1C Small Date is distinguished by the numerals "1842" being more narrowly aligned compared to the Large Date.
This distinction, while subtle, makes it significantly more desirable among collectors due to its relative rarity. The coin features Lady Liberty with her hair tied in a bun, a familiar design of the era, reflecting the classical influences on early American coinage. This coin is cataloged under the PCGS #1838 in the PCGS CoinFacts database, a testament to its recognition and distinct presence within numismatic circles.
Collectors often seek out the Small Date version for its scarcity and the challenge it poses due to its limited availability compared to its Large Date counterpart. In terms of market value, the 1842 1C Small Date, BN can vary significantly depending on its condition. Lower-grade specimens might be more accessible to the average collector, while higher-grade examples can command premium prices.
Notably, sales have demonstrated its worth, with auction results showing prices crossing into several hundred dollars, and particularly pristine examples can reach into thousands. From a numismatic perspective, this coin exemplifies the robust nature of early U.S. minting practices and their gradual evolution. Its existence underscores the complexities of coin production in an era when dies were often reused or altered, leading to variations like the Small Date.
For collectors and historians alike, the 1842 1C Small Date, BN coin offers a tangible connection to the growing United States Mint operations of the 1840s. The breadth of its history, coupled with its desirability in the present day, makes it a prized piece within the broader context of U.S. numismatics.
