Numismatic

1812 Large Cent Small Date VG

---

In the early years of the United States, the nation's pocket change looked vastly different from the coins of today. Among the most intriguing of these early issues is the 1812 Classic Head large cent. Struck in pure copper at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents a short-lived design era that spanned only from 1808 to 1814. The 1812 issue is particularly notable for its 'Small Date' variety, a subtle engraving detail that captures the attention of keen-eyed observers. The obverse of this historic copper cent features an elegant effigy of Liberty facing right, her hair bound by a band. Encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, this portrait is accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the 1812 date at the bottom. The design was created by John Reich, whose work defined this brief but artistic period in American numismatics. On the reverse, a simple yet powerful design takes center stage. The words ONE CENT are nestled inside a continuous laurel wreath. Surrounding this central motif is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This specific coin has survived more than two centuries, showing the honest wear of a piece graded in Very Good condition, where the major details remain visible despite decades of circulation.