The 1812 cent is the second most common Classic Head cent. The mintage was produced from the last planchet shipment from England before the War of 1812. During war, England embargoed all trade with The United States. There are four die varieties. None of them are scarce. For many collectors, however, the coin seems scarce because of the lesser number of Classic Head Cents available compared to the Draped Bust and Matron Head pieces. The Stacks-Bowers Photo This coin is truly an exceptional example of the Classic Head type. The surfaces are smooth and brown, and the coin is well struck. NGC graded this one AU-58. The variety is Sheldon 288 which is rated R-2. This is a slightly better die variety for the year. Two others are rated as R-1.
As a metal detectorist, the classic head has always alluded me over the years. Now, after seeing the mintages, I know why.
John, I ALWAYS enjoy your posts, and it's ALWAYS a learning experience. I wish that your knowledge could be "Bluetoothed" into my brain, but, it probably would "go in one ear and out the other", lol. So, I will be happy, and blessed to enjoy reading them in your posts. Thank you for sharing, Kenneth Oh, one thing I've always been interested in finding is an 1813. Just because that was the year my Great Great Grandfather was born, and I would just like to have one from that year. But, I haven't found one yet, at least in my price range. Maybe one day. Thanks again
Obviously 1813 is next. As a date, it’s scarcer than 1812 and 1814, but not as tough as 1809 and 1811. Like all Classic Head cents, it’s harder to find than the previous type (Draped Bust) and the next (Matron Head) type.