An example of the last regular issue large cent, the 1857. Here is the highest grade large cent I have, which is part of my type set. And I suppose we should have a Chain Cent. I bought this one raw back in the late 1980s.
I agree. There are some of us that can't, or choose not to, spend the money for high grade coins. Don't misunderstand me, I'm really glad that some of you do. I love to see them. I love to see them saved for prosperity (I love history, so I love to see old things saved or preserved for future generations). But, I'm a "hobby" collector. I don't really have a budget. If I see something I like, and have money to spend on my hobby, at the time, I buy it. I had to look long and hard to find these 2 large Cents. I know the condition they are in, but I also know their dates, because they are legible. For my type set, that works for me. Yes, I'm different, lol. Please keep posting your amazing coins. I'm not the least bit envious, I'm happy, and I hope you are, too. Ok, here's the best I could do for the dates.