215+ LuckyCoin collectors track this series
Spanning 1808 to 1814, the Classic Cent catalog contains 11 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1811 Classic Cent at just 218,025 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1813 Classic Cent at up to $60,000 in top grade.
Combined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
The Classic Cent, also known as the Coronet Cent, was a United States one-cent coin minted from 1808 to 1814. The coin was designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and it was the first official one-cent coin produced by the United States Mint.
The obverse of the Classic Cent features a bust of Lady Liberty facing left, with the inscription “LIBERTY” above her head. The reverse of the coin features the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along with the denomination “ONE CENT” in the center of an oak wreath. The edge of the coin is plain and smooth.
The Classic Cent was struck from a copper-nickel alloy with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters and a weight of 10.89 grams. It was produced at the Philadelphia Mint in both proof and business-strike formats.
The Classic Cent was a very popular coin in its day, with a total mintage of over 3 million coins. It is now considered to be one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the United States, with surviving examples trading at high premiums. As such, it is a sought-after coin for coin collectors and numismatists alike.
In conclusion, the Classic Cent is an extremely rare and highly sought-after coin with a rich history and a fascinating design. It is an important part of American numismatic history and is sure to be a prized part of any coin collection.
Looking for coins from a specific year across every denomination? Browse US coin values by year →
Which Classic Cent coins do collectors actually own? See the 2026 rarity & ownership report →
