Numismatic

1809 Large Cent AG

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In 1809, the Philadelphia Mint struck a limited run of copper cents featuring a fresh artistic direction. This issue represents the Classic Head design, a distinctive representation of Liberty that replaced earlier motifs. With a total mintage of just 222,867 pieces, this specific year is highly regarded by enthusiasts who study the early coinage of the United States. The obverse displays John Reich's interpretation of Liberty, facing left with her hair bound by a band inscribed with the word LIBERTY, though wear on this Almost Good specimen leaves only faint traces of her profile and the 1809 date below. On the reverse, the denomination is enclosed within a continuous wreath, encircled by the legend denoting the United States of America. Struck from pure copper, this coin survives as a physical survivor from the first decades of federal coin production. Its worn surfaces tell a story of active circulation during the early nineteenth century, making it a captivating object of historical curiosity.