Large Liberty Head Cent, dug in North Georgia

The 1837 Liberty Head Large Cent is a coin that is important to collectors both in the United States and around the world. Nowadays, the coin is sought after not only because of its attractive design, but also due to the fact that the piece represents a part of American history.

Large Cent coins were first minted in 1793 but faced immediate public dissatisfaction due to the U.S. law barring the use of any metal other than Silver and Gold as legal tender. Because of this, Large Cents were not able to be used to pay taxes or any other government payment.

On the obverse side of the Liberty Head Large Cent, the coin is equipped with the image of Lady Liberty directly in the center. Within a band that is resting upon Lady Liberty’s head, you will notice the word “Liberty” inscribed. Directly beneath the central image is another inscription, this one marking the 1849 year of minting. Finally, around the outside of the central imagery are 13 stars, each one representing one of the 13 original colonies of the United States.

Large cents are found at Civil War campsites and battlefields, many soldiers from both sides carried them. This one has a hole put in it to carry on a string or pinned to the inside of a jacket. It was found in North Georgia, probably from one of the troops from Sherman’s March to the Sea.  As you can see in the pictures, this coin is in very nice condition, with everything legible.