1816-1857 Large Cent Help

I'm trying to put together a typeset and the large cents from the 1816-1857 time period (Coronet) have me confused.

The basic question is, "What properly constitutes a typeset for these coins?"

I started with a 1838 and a 1854.
I thought that took care of the Coronet large cents.

Then when I got to reviewing my set I discovered that it appears that 1837-1839 was a transition period between the Matron Head (1816-1835?) and the Young Head (1840?-1857).
So I purchased a 1820 to solve that.

Coin World's Coin Values indicates a design change in 1839.
So does the Greysheet.
The ANA Grading Guide shows the change in 1835.
And the Red Book uses the 1835 date too.

So combining all the references I have I see 3 groups:
-- 1816-1835
-- 1835-1839
-- 1839-1857

Or are there really only two groups?
And the transition design (1835-1839) belongs with the 1840-1857 group?

 

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BTW, here's the coins I'm talking about:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dcderoo/1-1820-MS63BN-LargeDate.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dcderoo/1-1838-AU58.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dcderoo/1-1854-AU53.jpg

I'm going to replace the 1854.
It just doesn't look ... appealing.
Something funny about its strike.

 

Red Book shows three types - and the second started in 1837 ("Matron Head Modified").

Yes, the Greysheet loses the "1837 - 1839" distinction. They show only two types : '16-'39 and ''39-'57.

But I'm thinkin' "Hey - it's your type set. What do you think ?" That's what counts.

Do you think the 1837-39 modified matrons are different enough to constitute a different type ?

Personally, I think they do. The head is very distinct from the earlier ones... it is clearly a transition from Matron to Braided Hair. An intermediate look.

IMHO - three types.

 

That says it all.

 

It depends on who you ask. PCGS and NGC say two types, Redbook says three. There was a recent thread where I argued that there are many different types, as the change from the coronet to the braided hair was accomplished in a series of steps, and in my opinion the assignment of types is rather arbitrary given the preceeding. All that said, I personally, consider there to be 3 types between 1816 and 1857 -- I agree with the Redbook...Mike