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The 1845 Liberty Head Large Cent is a coin that is attractive to collectors from all over the world and from all walks of life. The coin, though simple in design, is not only a piece of American history, but also a truly remarkable design feat for the time it was minted. Naturally, the number of these coins available for sale is decreasing all the time, so there has never been a better time than now to get your hands on one.
As far as the coin’s design is concerned, the obverse side features the image of Lady Liberty front and center. Inscribed within a band resting on Lady Liberty’s head is the word “Liberty,” while the 1845 year of minting is inscribed towards the bottom of the face. Around the outside of the central image are 13 stars, representative of the 13 original colonies of the United States.
On the coin’s reverse, the center of the face is marked by an inscription indicating the coin’s “One Cent” face value. Surrounding the face value indication is a circular wreath whose detail is beyond reproach. On the outside of the wreath is one final inscription, this one reading “United States of America.” In addition to all of this, both sides of the coin, on their very outer edges, feature raised rays that give the coin a bit of added texture.
For collectors, the fact that old coins like the 1845 Liberty Head Large Cent are counterfeited so frequently is something that unnerves many. Understanding this, it should come as no surprise that collectors will only purchase those Liberty Heads that have been graded and certified as being authentic. Below, we have touched on the different coin grades and provided some insight as to what, exactly, those grades mean.
Uncirculated: If a coin is determined to be of Uncirculated grade, this means that it never spent any time on the open market. Thanks to their having been preserved for the entirety of their existence, these coins will appear today exactly as they did back in 1845.
Extremely Fine: If a coin is determined to be of Extremely Fine grade, this means that while the coin might not have ever been circulated, it does have some damage. The damage on these pieces will be light in nature.
Fine: Fine is the grade given to coins that have been circulated extensively, but are not host to a lot of significant damage. You will notice light scratching and chipping on both sides of the coin, but none of this damage will be so severe that the surface imagery and lettering will have been compromised.
Good: Good is the worst grade a coin can receive. This grade is indicative of a coin that has seen extensive damage, so much so that the surface imagery and lettering will have been worn away, at least partially. Despite this damage, these coins are still highly sought after.
In order to determine what the asking price for a Liberty Head might be, you need to first look at the condition of the coin. If the piece has been well-preserved, it goes without saying that it will carry a higher price tag than a piece that has been heavily worn. What’s more, the quantity of coins up for sale also comes into play. If there are only a few 1845 Large Cents up for sale, the asking price will likely be more than if there were a plethora of them available. The chart below is aimed at giving you a better idea of what an 1845 Liberty Head might cost, given its grade.
Large Cents
| DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1845 Liberty Head | $20 | $30 | $75 | $135 | Source: Red Book |
