Numismatic

1817 Large Cent 13 Stars VG

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In the early years of the United States, copper coinage was the workhorse of daily commerce. The 1817 large cent represents a fascinating era of American minting, struck at the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark, which was standard practice at the time. This particular issue features the iconic Liberty Head design on its obverse, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date positioned below the bust. Turning the coin over reveals the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" running along the outer border. Nestled within this legend is a delicate wreath that encircles the denomination "ONE CENT". Because each die during this period was finished by hand, these early copper pieces carry a distinct, individual character that connects modern observers directly to the craftsmanship of the early nineteenth century.