Numismatic

1819 Large Cent Small Date VG

---

In the early decades of the United States, copper coinage served as the everyday backbone of commerce. This 1819 copper Large Cent, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, represents a fascinating era of early American coining technology. Known as the Small Date variety, this piece shows the wear and character of a coin that circulated heavily through the young nation, earning a grade of Very Good. The obverse features the Matron Head profile of Liberty, facing right, surrounded by stars with the date 1819 positioned below the bust. Above her portrait, the word LIBERTY is clearly inscribed. This design reflects the evolving artistic standards of the early nineteenth-century mint, showcasing a more mature depiction of the classic allegorical figure. On the reverse, a delicate wreath encloses the denomination ONE CENT. Encircling this central motif is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The hand-engraved elements of this period mean that each surviving coin carries its own distinct personality, offering a direct window into the craftsmanship of early American numismatic history.