1843 Liberty Head Large Cent

The 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent is a coin that collectors from around the world will do anything to get their hands on. The coin, having been produced so long ago, is quite rare and not so easy to find in great condition. As such, those coins that are found somewhat well-preserved are the ones collectors will do anything to get their hands on.

On the obverse side of the 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent, the main image is that of Lady Liberty, who is facing leftward. Inscribed within a band that is resting upon her head is the word “Liberty,” while the 1843 year of minting is situated beneath Lady Liberty’s image. Finally, around the outer edges of the obverse are 13 stars marking the 13 original colonies of the United States.

On the coin’s reverse, the center is marked by an inscription which indicates the “One Cent” face value. There is also a wreath which is circular, and depicted in stunning detail. Around the outside of the wreath is a phrase that reads “United States of America.” Finally, the very outer edges of the coin are marked by raised rays which add a bit of texture to the surface of the coin.

Grading the 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent

For collectors, the fact that Liberty Head Large Cents are counterfeited as frequently as they are means that there must always be caution exercised when attempting to make a purchase. In order to protect themselves from counterfeited products, collectors will only want to purchase coins that have been graded and certified as being true, authentic coins. Below, you will find an outline of the different coin grades.

Uncirculated: A coin that is determined to be of Uncirculated grade is one that has never seen any time on the open market. These pieces, having never exchanged hands, will appear today exactly as they did when they were first minted.

Extremely Fine: Extremely Fine Liberty Heads might feature a few minor signs of damage, but will, for the most part, appear to be in great condition. Apart from a few very minor scratches, these coins will be in absolutely pristine condition.

Fine: Fine is the grade given to coins that have been heavily circulated, but have not been so heavily damaged. These coins, thanks to years of circulation, will feature a load of scratching and chipping. With that being said, the scratching and chipping will not be enough to compromise the imagery and lettering.

Good: Good is the grade given to coins that have been extremely heavily circulated and damaged. Because of years of circulation, these coins will be so heavily damaged that some of their lettering and imagery will have been completely worn away.

Pricing the 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent

In order to determine a price for the 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent, the first thing you will need to pay attention to is the condition it is in. Naturally, the coins that have been well-preserved throughout the years will be the ones that carry the highest price tags. In addition, you must consider how many coins are for sale at a given time. If there are only a few coins for sale at a given time, the price, per coin, will be higher than if there were an abundance of them. Below, you will find a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what an 1843 Liberty Head Large Cent will cost, given its grade.

Large Cents

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1843 Liberty Head	$20	$30	$85	$160
Source: Red Book