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How to Grade US Large Cents

Large cents were manufactured and used as legal currency in the United States from 1793 until 1857. Seven varieties were made, the first designed with a bust with flowing hair. Two versions were minted in 1793, one with a circular chain on the back and the other with a wreath. A third variety was made from 1793 until 1796, featuring Lady Liberty with a cap on a stick on the front. In 1796 the front of the coin was changed to depict a draped bust. The final three varieties all feature a bust with a "Liberty" headband: the classic (1808-1814), the matron (1816-1839), and the braided (1839-1857).

Things You'll Need

Camera lens cloth
Magnifying glass
Computer
Internet access

Instructions

- 1
  Gently rub the coin to clean off any dust or other residue. Use the camera lens-cleaning cloth and rub each side in a circular motion.
- 2
  Identify which type of coin you have, depending on the date and the description.
- 3
  Visit the Coin Community Family website and, in the section for Large Cents, read over the grading standards (under "Facts") for whichever variety of large cents you have.
- 4
  With a magnifying glass, follow the guidelines to grade your coins. Generally speaking, the dates and other lettering need to be clear enough to identify to warrant even a "good" grade. Other grades are very good, fine, very fine and extremely fine.

Coin Collecting