Matron Head Coronet Head Cents 1816-1835

About This Series

Bridging the gap between earliest large cent designs and the mature Coronet series, the Matron Head features Robert Scot's Liberty portrait wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, with hair styled in the mature fashion that inspired the type's name. The reverse displays a wreath encircling ONE CENT. These large copper coins — approximately 28 mm diameter and 10.9 grams — circulated extensively throughout the eastern United States as the primary small-denomination coin. The Newcomb reference catalogs extensive die varieties, identifying scores of distinct die combinations that make this a fertile field for variety enthusiasts. Key dates include the 1823 and 1821, both recognized for lower mintages, with the 1823 particularly notable as it may have been struck partially from 1822-dated dies. Produced exclusively at Philadelphia during a period of significant national growth — the Erie Canal opened, the first passenger railroad began service, and the country expanded westward. Well-preserved examples display attractive chocolate brown or red-brown surfaces that showcase the design's classical lines.

Series Information