Coronet Head (1816-1857)

Coronet "Liberty" Head Cents were introduced in 1816 following the end of the War of 1812 and lifting of a trade embargo between the United States and England (from whom it received its copper planchets). The series is effectively divided into two distinct designs--Matron Head (1816-1839) and Braided Hair (1839-1857). By 1857, the price of copper had risen to a level that made large cent production too expensive. As a result, the large cent was discontinued in 1857 and a new, smaller-size cent was introduced in its place.