Numismatic

1849 Large Cent VG

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In the middle of the nineteenth century, American pocket change looked vastly different than it does today. The 1849 Large Cent is a testament to this era, representing a time when the smallest denomination of United States currency was a substantial piece of copper. Minted in Philadelphia, this specific issue belongs to the Braided Hair design family, a style that graced the nation's one-cent pieces from 1839 to 1857. The obverse of the coin features a classic representation of Liberty, her hair neatly bound in braids, encircled by thirteen stars that represent the original colonies. The year 1849 is clearly displayed beneath her portrait. On the reverse, the words ONE CENT are prominently positioned in the center, encircled by a delicate wreath. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds this central design, completing a classic piece of early American numismatic history.