Numismatic

1839 Large Cent Booby Head VG

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The year 1839 was a transitional period for United States copper coinage, yielding several distinct design variations of the large cent. Among these is the wonderfully nicknamed Booby Head variety. Struck in pure copper at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin features a unique interpretation of Liberty on the obverse, showing a youthful portrait facing left, paired with the date 1839. On the reverse, the denomination of One Cent is encircled by a delicate wreath, which is itself surrounded by the legend United States of America. This specific variety is notable for a distinct omission on the reverse side, where the horizontal line that typically sits directly beneath the words One Cent is entirely missing. This particular specimen is preserved in Very Good condition, offering a tangible look at early American coinage from the pre-1933 era. With a total mintage of 3,128,661 for the year, this coin represents a compelling chapter in the evolution of the United States cent, displaying the artistry of designer Christian Gobrecht.