Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="900fine, post: 642789, member: 6036"]Let's take a look at major changes to the face of Liberty (thus neglecting micro-variances a la die variety specialists). Large Cents in the period 1835-1839 have a special place in American coinage. Typically, design changes in circulating coinage show a dramatic, very clear difference (i.e. Draped Bust -> Classic Head -> Matron Head). The transition from Matron Head to Braided Hair was very different; we see an evolutionary / experimental trend in circulating coinage; normally, the Mint's experminents were restricted to patterns with a very limited audience.   It boils down to this : 1835 - first major change to face of Liberty. Two distinct visages: old-school "Head of 1834" and new "Head of 1836" 1836 - no major changes 1837 - only one major change - plain hair cords to beaded hair cords. 1838 - no major changes 1839 - Four distinct visages: the same one which debuted in 1835*, Silly Head, Booby Head, and the "Head of 1840". With the debut of the "Head of 1840", the evolutionary process came to a close. Apparently, they had a design they liked; it lasted through the Braided Hair era until 1857.  * It debuted in 1835 and coasted through '36, '37, and '38 with no major change except the beaded hair cords. On 1839 coins, this visage is known as "Head of 1838".[/QUOTE]