Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="Leadfoot, post: 256257, member: 2972"]I don't consider myself an expert by any means, but as both a type and large cent collector, I think you have hit on a very interesting point... IMO, the current definition of types, as far as large cents are concerned, leaves quite a bit to be desired. Some sources say two (1816-39, 1840-57), others, including the Redbook, say three (1816-36, 1836-9, 1840-57).  In any event, once you study the coins themselves, you'll realize the definition of "type" is rather arbitrary, particularly considering how the design of the large cent changed during this period. IMHO, there are actually quite a bit more than three types, as the transition from the first "matron head" large cent in 1816 to the last one in 1857 was gradual...and you're right, much of the transition takes place between 1837 to 1839, but there were many design changes that occured outside of this time period (more earlier than later). So in the end, given this "gradual design change" the number of types is left to the collector -- so decide how YOU define the types and collect them that way....Mike p.s. I have grouped my large cents of this period into three types, as defined above.  You may view them here:  <a href="http://www.pbase.com/miker/large_cents" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.pbase.com/miker/large_cents" rel="nofollow">http://www.pbase.com/miker/large_cents</a>[/QUOTE]