1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent is a United States cent from the Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cents 1835-1839 series — the final year of the series. In 1839, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 12.5 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 6.4 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a hair ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, with a coronet of stars around her head and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT. Minted during the age of Jacksonian democracy and the rise of the common man, as new branch mints opened in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 28 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $50 to $1.7K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $265K in MS65 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by Robert Scot.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(5)
1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - 9/6
1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - Booby Head
1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - Head of 1838
1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - Proof Type 1838
1839 Modified Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - Silly Head
Other Base Coins in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.