Classic Cent
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.
Classic Cent Mintage by Year
Peak 1.5MCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
About the Classic Cent
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.
Most-collected Classic Cent coins on LuckyCoin
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 →
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Classic Cent minted?
- The Classic Cent was minted by United States from 1808 to 1814.
- How many Classic Cent coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 4,757,722 Classic Cent coins were struck.
- What is the Classic Cent made of?
- The Classic Cent is made of copper, weighs 10.89 grams, and measures 29 mm in diameter.
- How much is a Classic Cent worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $60,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.