Collecting Large Cents

After finishing a wheaties set, which seemed to take forever, and a Capped But Half set (which was more fun and a lot less expensive, in AU), I got interested in large cents.

These are very intriguing coins, big and heavy, and with many design changes and varieties. But they're also a challenge. The early Mint often used marginal quality copper, screw presses used on most were primitive, the cents were heavily circulated, and of course the pure, soft copper was easily damaged. Not to mention that 200 years is a long time to survive.

I'm not through yet...still need four more for the complete Redbook set, but here's what it looks like so far. Of course the ones I need are uber-expensive and difficult to find problem-free.

With few exceptions, everything was cracked from TPG slabs so I could enjoy them in a Dansco. I didn't have the guts to crack a few. My courage only goes so far.

I learned a lot along the way but mostly I learned how little I knew, and still don't know. CoinTalk has some terrific experts and I am thankful they're generous with their time and knowledge. I leaned on some resources outside CT as well. Everyone was not just supportive but enthusiastic. Pretty darned cool. Collectors seem to enjoy helping each other.

Anyway, I thought some of you might like to see the almost-complete set.
Lance.

 

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Beautiful set. I have a few more to go also. A couple of common ones, but still have to find ones to go into my album.

 

If you haven't joined EAC http://www.eacs.org/, you should check them out.

 

this is a very beautiful collection you have, I always wanted to start one but I dont have enough money to buy them. I wish you all the best at finishing this set and please update us on your progress. Dan

 

Wow, what a nice set.. some very nice pre 1800 cents~~

 

Great set! I've been working on mine for just a few years now and it's been one of the most enjoyable sets to build. I like the multitude of varieties. One could easily spend a lifetime trying to get them all. And is it just me or are the middle dates the toughest to find in decent condition?
Guy

 

great set. must of taken a bit to get so much even tho u still got 2 of the toughest (1799 and 1804) to go.

must say that 1829 CBH in that other set is stunning also.

 

Very Nice Set. I would be very happy to help you identify any unattributed cents if you provide larger photos and I suggest edge shots for coins in the 1700s since there are both well known and not so well known sub-varieties with unusual edge variations.

 

Thanks, Marshall. I know you are good at this. You helped me with some of the very early ones already.

Most are sttributed. Here are some I've yet to do. Appreciate the help!
Lance.

 

Awesome set of copper Lance. I'm so jealous!!

 

I love the 24 and 25~~ The 1822 is wonderful~

 

1821 N-2, 1822 N-5, 1823/2 N-1, 1824 N-3,1825 N-2 not absolutely sure on this one. if not 2 then N-8, 1826 N-1

 

Very nice of you Conder. Thanks! I will look up that 1825. I'm sure we will hear from Marshall too.
Lance.

 

The 1825 is an N-2.

 

It looks like others are ahead of me again.

On the 1825, look at the 13th star, which points to the dentil on N-2 and between dentils on N-8.

 

What an amazing collection! You sure are thorough when it comes to completing a set! What will it be next, or have you even thought about that?

 

Ha. My wife calls it something different.

Problem is, "completing a set" is not the same as finishing it. There are always coins just not quite right, you know? The only set I ever really "finished" was Peace dollars in gem+. I know I finished it because I sold the set.

I'm working on a Redbook variety of indian head cents. I'll be at it another few years, I'm sure.
Lance.

 

Thanks again, Conder, Marshall, Mark. If this is fun I'll post more. Silence will say you're tired of it.

All 1839/6's are N1, correct?
Lance.

 

I believe you are correct. I need the security of my books to answer. I also think there is only one variety for the Petite Head large letters(last 1843) - again need my book. You would think I would know since I just bought one to fill the slot in my album.

 

Yes all 39/6's are N-1, head of 36 with plain hair cords.