1812, United States. Beautiful Classic Head Large Cent Coin. VG-F
Condition: VG-F
Mint Year: 1812
Reference: KM-45.
Denomination: Large Cent - "Classic Head"
Material: Copper
Weight: 10.25gm
Diameter: 29mm
Obverse: Diademed "Classic" head of Liberty left, surrounded by 13 stars. Date below.
Legend: ******* 1812 ******
Reverse: Value ("ONE CENT") within wreath, legend around.
Legend: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Classic Head was a design issued by the mint in the early 19th century. It was introduced for copper coinage in 1808 by engraver John Reich and later redesigned and improved by Chief Engraver William Kneass.
John Reich, assistant to Chief Engraver Scot, was appointed by new Mint Director Robert Patterson to redesign Scot's Draped Bust cent (along with every other circulating coin design). The so-called "Classic Head" derives its name from the fillet worn by Liberty on the obverse, though the fillet was worn only by male athletes in ancient Greece. The copper used during the years in which Classic Head cents were minted was of a higher quality, containing less metallic impurity. Consequently, they were softer and more prone to wear and corrode more quickly than issues before or after. As a result, unimpaired, high-grade specimens are especially difficult to obtain and fetch strong premiums when they appear on market, especially with original red or red-brown mint luster.
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