A couple of new additions that I liked and wanted - my xmas presents to myself. Just love these slightly worn puppies. Nothing high grade or flashy about them - just good solid coins in my opinion. As always all opinions are always welcome.
Congrats ! :thumb: I admire a man who can appreciate a Matron Head cent. It's an "acquired taste". I used to think they were the ugliest design ever; now they're a favorite.
There's nothing not flashy about those.....love them! Great color and detail. I need to get on your Christmas list. Guy~
@ 900fine what is it about them? I used to not like them either but now they are very nice and I have quite a few...
In this case they came attributed, but I have not confirmed them yet. The 1819 is an N-3 and the 1829 is a N-6 - per the holders. Once I get back from my running this morning I will confirm them.
I've got to join the parade regarding these. I sold the only one I had (1822 XF45) to Mark to raise cash for other type, but I'll own another or more someday (maybe one will strike me at FUN to buy). Liberty is ugly as sin, but that's the charm of them too in my book. Congrats Mike on your new pieces.
Did you get confused? These were posted by me (Mark) as new additions to help keep that wonderful 1822 company. :mouth:
I like those, Mark! Nice solid chocolate brown COPPER with lots of detail, and rotated dies - what's not to like!
Well, I'm not sure. One thing is they are the oldest large cents available in nice condition for a moderate price. An XF is reasonable for many folks. An XF Classic Head or Draped Bust is pretty spendy. Only two years seperates an 1814 XF ($1500 or more) from an 1816 XF ($100 or so). There are plenty of lovely mint state Matrons around, due to the discovery of several hoards. There's something about us which is drawn to the underdog. We want to nurture the "ugly duckling" or the runt puppy dog. Maybe we're drawn to these "ugly ducklings" for the same reason.
There's one other factor about these which intrigues me, and that's the period 1835-1839. The 1830s were heady days for the US Mint. 1833: they moved to a new building. Everybody loves new digs ! 1835-1836: they embraced two major technologies - closed collar and steam presses 1836-1839: sweeping design changes across all denominations, with the advent of Braided Hair copper, Seated Liberty silver, and new Liberty gold In those days, these Matron Heads show us something totally unique. In almost all cases throughout the entire history of US coinage, a design change is very discrete - a clean break with the past. The new design is starkly different from the old design. For instance, Flowing Hair gives way to Draped Bust, Indian Head cent is followed by Lincoln Cent. But that's not true in the Matron -> Braided Hair transition. Here, and here alone, we see a gradual evolution from one to the other during the years 1835-1839. Here are the key points : 1835: Year starts as normal with the standard Matron look. During the year, the mint introduces a modified look - the so-called "Head of 1836". Thus, some of the cents of this year have one look, the others a different, but similar, look. 1836: No major changes 1837: During the year, the mint introduces Beaded Hair Cords. Again, some of the cents of this year have one look, the others a different, but similar, look. 1838: No major changes 1839: Several different designs, including the previous look (referred to as "Head of 1838"), a "Silly Head", a "Booby Head", and finally the "almost fully evolved" Braided Hair - the so-called "petite head". Nowhere else in the entire epic story of US Coinage do we see anything like this. I'm collecting a set illustrating these changes. All I lack is a good Silly Head and two 1837s showing plain and beaded hair cords. I hope to complete this at FUN. When I do, I'll post up a little photo essay here.
