Die Varieties of United States Large Cents

2020·331.2 MB·English

by  John R. Grellman, Jr.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ............................................................................................................. iii
Attribution Process ........................................................................................... v
Date Position Reference Numbers ................................................................. vii
Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................... xi
Summary of Delisted Varieties ..................................................................... xiv
1840 .................................................................................................................. 2
1841 ................................................................................................................ 14
1842 ................................................................................................................ 22
1843 ................................................................................................................ 32
1844 ................................................................................................................ 47
1845 ................................................................................................................ 56
1846 ................................................................................................................ 72
1847 ................................................................................................................ 99
1848 .............................................................................................................. 138
1849 .............................................................................................................. 184
1850 .............................................................................................................. 214
1851 .............................................................................................................. 240
1852 .............................................................................................................. 284
1853 .............................................................................................................. 305
1854 .............................................................................................................. 340
1855 .............................................................................................................. 371
1856 .............................................................................................................. 385
1857 .............................................................................................................. 407
THE DIE VARIETIES
OF
UNITED STATES
LARGE CENTS
1840-1857
Copyright 2020 by John R. Grellman, Jr.
DEDICATION
To my father, John R. Grellman, Sr. (1917-1984),
who introduced me to coin collecting in 1953,
and to my family that has supported my
continuing passion for the hobby in the
succeeding decades.
Preface
This guide describes the characteristics of every known die variety of United States large cent minted
from 1840 to 1857, commonly referred to as “Late Date Large Cents.” It builds on the earlier work
of many individuals, including Frank D. Andrews, Howard R. Newcomb, and Jules Reiver.

My goal is to provide a tool that can help you determine the die variety and die state of every Late
D ate Large Cent. My estimation of the rarity of each variety is included. I learned long ago that
p hotographs, while essential for determining the die varieties of the earlier (1793-1839) large cents,
are not an effective way to convey attribution information for the later dates. The differences in the
dies of 1840-57 cents are usually not visible in photographs, even photos of the highest professional
quality. Diagrams offer the best solution, and I have provided them for every variety. However,
photographs of most of the rarest varieties and those die states with rim cud breaks are provided at
the end of this book.
The die varieties of each year are arranged by Newcomb (N) number. Varieties not included in
Newcomb's book are assigned an honorary Newcomb number, and those are identified in
parentheses as (N-#). At the beginning of each year is a list of all the varieties of that year
arranged by Date Position Reference Number (DRN). This arrangement is provided to assist in
identifying die varieties, and the role of the DRN is described in another section where I offer a
systematic process for attributing these cents.
Rarity estimates follow the standard 8-point Sheldon scale:
R-1 Common
R-2 Not so common
R-3 Scarce
R-4 Very scarce (est. 76-200)
R-5 Rare (est. 31-75)
R-6 Very rare (13-30)
R-7 Extremely rare (4-12)
R-8 Unique or nearly so (1-3)
The rarity assigned to R-6, R-7, and R-8 varieties is determined by an actual count of known or reliably
reported examples. However we can assume more of the rarer varieties will be
discovered as collectors keep searching for them. The rarity of the more common varieties
is estimated, but it is based on extensive research.
The estimated value of different die varieties and die states is not included in this book, but serious
collectors usually pay significant premiums to obtain rare varieties and die states. The difference
between the "generic" price for a particular date and the price a specialist is willing to pay for a
rare variety or die state of that same date depends on many factors, but the most important factor
is the number of similar enthusiasts eager to obtain that rarity. Die variety references tend to
increase the population of these specialists. An increase in market value may be a welcomed benefit but
my primary goal is to help fellow collectors enjoy the hobby as much as I have for these many
decades.
lll
There are several auction catalogs that feature late date large cents, and I recommend you add them to
your library. These catalogs describe the 1840-1857 cents contained in outstanding collections . Each
coin is plated, attributed to variety and die state, and both the PCGS or NGC grade and the “EAC”
grade are provided. They can be a wonderful learning tool. I wrote the Superior and Goldberg lot
descriptions and provided the “EAC” grade assigned to each lot in the two Stack’s Bowers catalogs.
My recommendations:

n R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 6/2/2002
n R. E. “Ted” Naftzger, Jr., Goldberg 9/7/2009
n Daniel W. Holmes, Jr., Goldberg 1/30/2011
n W. M. “Jack” Wadlington (The Twin Leaf Collection, Part I), Stack’s Bowers 7/16/2015
n W. M. “Jack” Wadlington (The Twin Leaf Collection, Part II), Stack’s Bowers 3/30/2016

S everal prominent collectors gave me unlimited access to their collections for study during the 1980’s
a nd 1990’s.These include Jack Robinson, R. S. “Robbie” Brown, Jr., John “J.R.” Frankenfield, R. E.

“ Ted” Naftzger, Jr., Chris McCawley, W. M. “Jack” Wadlington, Allen G. Ross, Bob Klosterboer,
G ary Hahn, Bob Soltisiak, and Fred Borcherdt. Access to these extensive collections was essential to
t he production of this book. Dan Argyro and Herb Brunhoffer contribu ted countless hours of research
s orting through the crumbling sequences on many varieties of 1849 reverse dies. Robert F. LaForme
provided additional information regarding varieties with rim cuds. Scores of other collectors and coin
There is no way I can adequately thank all the people who have helped me gather information over the
dealers have provided important coins and information to assist in my research. And a special thanks
last few decades. The one person most responsible for my love of late date large cents is Jules Reiver.
to Allen Ross who provided the photographs at the end of this book and to Lyle Engleson who
His attribution guides of the late 1970's and early 80's advanced the earlier work of Newcomb and gave
provided the computer and technical expertise to make all the pieces come together.
me the kind of information I needed to make sense out of Newcomb's book. And Jules encouraged me
in my attempts to carry his work to the next level. His advice and sharing of research information were
I would appreciate hearing from anyone with information that could be used to improve this book.
essential to my early education, and his name will always be associated prominently with this segment
And I suggest you consider joining the Early American Coppers Club (EAC) if not already a member.
oItf’ so aunr haocbtibvye. group focused on the research and collecting of US cents and half cents dated 1793-1857.
Go to eacs.org for more information.
John R. (Bob) Grellman, Jr.
[email protected]

iv
An Attribution Process
Removing the crud. If you collect only mint state cents, then you can disregard this step.
For the mortals among us, this step can be crucial.
Most circulated cents have a fair measure of dirt, grease, or what I call "copper wax" caked into the
protected areas. Unfortunately, these are the same areas where the die lines and attribution points
are most prevalent. These areas are the recesses around the date, dentils, TY in LIBERTY, inner
curl, main curl, and ONE CENT, which correspond to the highest areas on the dies. Most
attribution points (other than date position and die breaks) result when a mint worker touches the
face of the die with an abrasive (wire brush, polishing cloth, etc.) and leaves marks on the highest
parts of the die. These incuse marks on the die produce raised lines or small points on the lowest
parts of the cents. And these lowest parts tend to collect the most crud.
A simple but effective way to remove this crud employs an artists brush and a solvent. I use Xylol
(Xylene), which is an organic solvent available at most paint supply stores. Using a small artist's
brush with wood handle and relatively stiff bristles (equivalent to a baby's toothbrush), follow
these steps:
• Keep work area well-ventilated and follow solvent safeguards.
• Paint one side of the coin with solvent.
• Work crud out using tiny circular brush strokes. Don't drag brush across coin's surface.
• Concentrate on cruddy areas; then quickly do rest of coin.
• Blot off solvent while surface is still wet (rewet if necessary).
• Repeat process for other side of coin and any areas where some crud remains.
• Add a very thin coat of Care, Blue Ribbon, or some similar protectant.
• Brush away excess coating using standard "copper brush." These are jeweler's brushes
with natural, cream-colored bristles and a wooden handle. An old brush (well-used with
a greenish tint on the bristles) is preferred.
Date position reference number (DRN). Newcomb used words to describe the relative position
of the date to the curls, dentils, and bust tip. Jules Reiver simplified this by assigning a number to the
various positions, and he added a few more points of reference relating to the date position. He then
arranged the varieties of each year according to the date position, from the farthest left to the farthest
right. This numbering and arrangement simplified the attribution process by allowing collectors to
quickly identify the varieties that might match the coin in question, and subsequently eliminate those
varieties that couldn’t be a match.

A list of varieties by date position reference number (in ascending order) is at the beginning of each
year. These DRN's are presented to assist in the attribution process. Seldom is the date position
alone sufficient to positively identify an obverse die. Rather, the DRN is a tool that can focus your
search by eliminating those varieties that could not possibly match your coin, and by suggesting a
V
few "hot prospects." Suggestion: For Petite Head cents, focus on DRN #2 (alignment of point of
curl to 4) to narrow the list of possible matches. For the Mature Head cents, use DRN #2 (alignment
of point of curl to 8) for this purpose. These single points of reference are the most stable, reliable
date position indicators, and they are relatively easy to determine. The remaining DRN's can help
to further narrow the list of possible matches, if necessary.
Refer to diagrams to find a match. Using the list of candidates resulting from the DRN comparison,
check those diagrams to find a match. I use a 16X glass to find attribution points, but a 10X can do
the job. If you don't find a match, recheck the DRN. It takes a sharp eye and lots of practice to
become proficient at this process. Low grade coins can offer a significant challenge, and some
pieces just can't be attributed with certainty due to wear, damage, or (especially) corrosion.
Determine the die state. Most varieties are broken down into collectable die states. The definition of a
"collectable" die state for this purpose is one that has at least one die characteristic that can be used to
distinguish it from another die state of that same variety. These are listed from the earliest (state a) to
the latest. My application of this definition is rather arbitrary, but the goal is to strike a balance between
the extremes of too fine and too great a difference in the condition of the dies. A few varieties have their
die states broken down in rather minute detail because they have traditionally been collected that way.
Among these are 1849 N-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9. When a rarity rating is shown for a particular die state, it
reflects my experience regarding how often that die state appears for the variety. The rarity of pieces
with rim cud breaks is derived from an actual count of the examples I have seen (or have been reliably
reported to me); the rarity of other difficult die states is an estimation. I am sure many die states without
any special mention of their rarity are very rare and will prove to be quite a challenge for collectors. Die
state collecting of Late Date Large Cents has become a very popular segment of our hobby, especially
for pieces with rim cuds.

A special note on grading

The grading standards used by Early American Coppers (EAC) members are more strict than
the standards applied by most third-party grading services. In this reference, the grade of
“Mint State” means a coin with no wear and no significant distractions such as cleaning,
obvious contact marks, or bad carbon spots. In most cases, a grade assigned by a third-
party grading service will be higher than a grade assigned by an EAC member,
particularly for pieces graded with a “BN” or Brown designation. This applies to both
mint state and circulated grades. However, third party grades given by PCGS or NGC for
“RB” or “RD” cents occasionally are lower than grades assigned using EAC standards.

Following the rarity rating for each variety I have included a count of the mint state examples
I have seen or have been reliably reported to me over the last 40+ years. Obviously I have not
seen every cent that has survived in mint state condition, but I think this information can be
helpful in determining the relative availability of mint state examples of each variety. And I
added a comment regarding the number of those that had a significant amount of original mint
red remaining or traces of mint red. I consider a minimum of 20% of the surface to be
significant (about the same amount of mint color used by the major grading services to add an
“RB” or Red & Brown designation to the grade they assign). In addition where I felt it was
significant I added information on the availability of specific die states in mint state condition.
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