Matron Head Large Cent Appraisal

United States Coronet Head (Matron Head) Large Cent

This item is a 19th-century United States copper coin, specifically a Coronet Head Large Cent, often referred to as the Matron Head. The obverse depicts a left-facing profile of Liberty with her hair bound by a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY,' surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The date, though heavily worn, appears to be from the mid-1820s to 1830s based on the visible digit remnants. The coin is composed of 100% copper and originally measured approximately 28mm in diameter, though circulation has likely smoothed the edges. The condition is poor to fair (G-4 range), showing heavy circulation wear that has flattened most of the high-point details of Liberty's face and hair. Notably, the surfaces exhibit a deep dark brown oxidation patina, with visible areas of green verdigris (corrosion) at the 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions, which indicates long-term exposure to moisture or environmental contaminants. The strike appears centered, but the overall lack of detail and surface pitting significantly impacts its numismatic grade. These coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of expanding American commerce and represent a foundational era of U.S. coinage before the reduction in size of the cent in 1857.