United States Cents
Early American Cent Varieties
Early U.S. cent denominations—including the large cent, two‑cent, and three‑cent pieces—reflect the nation’s economic development from the post‑colonial era through the Civil War. The large cent, minted from 1793 to 1857, was made of pure copper and nearly the size of a half dollar, featuring designs like the Flowing Hair and Classic Head. Though eventually replaced due to its impractical size, it remains a favorite among collectors for its historical significance and insight into early American commerce.
Evolution of the One‑Cent Coin
The transition to smaller cents began in 1857 with the Flying Eagle design, followed by the long‑running Indian Head cent (1859–1909). In 1909, the Lincoln cent debuted and quickly became iconic, with its wheat reverse and later Memorial design symbolizing America’s changing identity. Alongside these, the Civil War–era two‑cent piece introduced “In God We Trust,” while the silver and nickel three‑cent coins helped streamline postage purchases. Each denomination served a practical purpose while leaving behind a rich numismatic legacy.
Collecting and Preserving Early U.S. Cents
Collectors value early American cents for their rarity, artistry, and connection to pivotal moments in U.S. history. Professional grading services such as NGC and PCGS help authenticate and evaluate these coins, increasing confidence and market value—especially for scarce large cents, early Lincoln issues, and short‑lived denominations like the two‑ and three‑cent pieces. Together, these coins offer a tangible link to America’s economic growth and cultural evolution, making them enduring treasures for historians and numismatists alike.
United States Small Cents
Lincoln, Indian Head & Flying Eagle Cents
A Guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents. High-quality, full-color photographs illustrate each coin. Snow's detailed research includes yearly production notes, market values in multiple grades
One-Cent Coin (1856–Present)
The U.S. penny has evolved through Flying Eagle, Indian Head, and Lincoln designs. Early cents were mostly copper, while modern issues use a zinc core with copper plating. Pennies are widely collected by date, mintmark, errors, and varieties.
Two-Cent Piece (1864–1873)
Introduced during the Civil War, the Two-Cent Piece helped relieve small-change shortages. It is historically significant as the first U.S. coin to feature the motto “In God We Trust” and remains popular with type collectors today.
Three-Cent Silver “Trime” (1851–1873)
Designed to make postage stamps affordable after rate reductions, the silver trime is extremely thin and lightweight. It contains the lowest silver content of any U.S. coin and is difficult to find in high grades.
Three-Cent Nickel (1865–1889)
The nickel three-cent piece replaced the fragile silver trime after the Civil War. Thicker and more durable, it circulated widely until postal rate changes made the denomination unnecessary. Today it is often collected alongside early U.S. nickels.
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