Coronet (Matron Head) Large Cent, 1816–1839: History and Design

Cent production resumed in 1816 with a new portrait generally called the Coronet Head or Matron Head, replacing John Reich’s Classic Head design after the wartime copper shortage that eliminated the 1815 date entirely. This design remained in use through the transitional year of 1839, and its long service defines what large cent specialists call the “middle dates” — a familiar piece of everyday American money during a period of rapid commercial growth and westward settlement.

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Design and history

PCGS credits Robert Scot on the 1816 cent. Liberty faces left and wears a coronet or diadem bearing LIBERTY, thirteen stars surround her, and the date appears below. The reverse keeps ONE CENT inside a wreath, encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — a general arrangement that resembles the preceding Classic Head cent, but with a portrait that is larger, heavier and more mature in appearance, which is why the type carries the enduring Matron Head nickname.

Attribution grows more complicated as the series progresses. Scot died in 1823, but his basic design continued under later Mint engravers, who modified the portrait and hubs rather than replacing the cent with an unrelated design. Christian Gobrecht made important refinements during the 1830s, and PCGS notes a 1836 modification that sharpened the coronet tip and narrowed the bust. Transitional 1839 portraits carry colorful collector names including Head of 1838, Silly Head and Booby Head, and research has also associated some of the final modifications with sculptor Robert Ball Hughes. A responsible account credits Scot with the originating design while acknowledging later reworking by the Mint’s engraving staff.

All regular issues were struck at Philadelphia with no mintmark. The coins are copper, approximately 10.89 grams and about 28 millimeters in diameter, with a plain edge — nearly the same imposing physical presence the cent had carried since the 1795 weight reduction. The Coronet period’s regular circulation history is straightforward despite its complex portrait evolution: cents returned in 1816 and were struck annually through 1839, when the type gave way to Christian Gobrecht’s Braided Hair design.

Notable dates within this design

The Coronet series does not include a single dramatic key date on the order of the Draped Bust run’s 1799 or 1804, but it does include real die-variety interest for specialists. The 1817 cent is notable for a fifteen-star obverse die variety alongside the normal thirteen-star arrangement. Collectors should also be aware that privately made restrikes carrying dates such as 1823 exist; these are not ordinary Mint circulation issues and should not be confused with, or used to establish, the type’s regular production history. Individual dates through the run can show overdates and other die-level differences that interest advanced variety collectors without rising to the level of a headline rarity within the basic type.

Collecting this design

Identification within this design starts with the broad, left-facing portrait and coronet: the earlier Classic Head Liberty is more compact with a different hairstyle and headband treatment, while the later Braided Hair Liberty has a visibly more refined head with a pronounced braid running from the ear toward the forehead. The transitional cents of 1839 require closer comparison, since old and new portrait concepts overlap during that single year.

Most circulated Coronet cents wore first on Liberty’s hair, cheek and coronet, and on the high points of the reverse wreath. Copper surfaces may range from light brown to nearly black, and old cleaning or environmental damage is common enough that color alone cannot identify a date or establish originality. Grading continues to use the numeric scale the American Numismatic Association traces to William Sheldon’s large-cent research, and certification from PCGS or NGC remains the most reliable way to confirm both grade and surface originality — particularly important given the private-restrike issue noted above for dates like 1823.

Suggested search terms and filters

• “Coronet large cent” or “Matron Head large cent”
• “1817 15-star cent” (die variety)
• Specific date searches, e.g. “1820 large cent,” “1835 large cent”
• Filter by grading service (PCGS, NGC)
• Filter by grade range

Availability and pricing notes

Most dates in this two-decade run are reasonably available in a range of circulated grades, reflecting both a longer production period and larger annual mintages than the earlier 1790s and 1800s designs. Mint State and problem-free examples still command real premiums, and buyers pursuing die varieties like the 1817 15-star cent should expect to pay more than for a common-date example in the same grade.

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How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “Coronet Large Cent” — or a specific date or variety like “1817 15-star cent” — to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by date, variety, grade, certification, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If nothing currently listed fits your budget or condition target, save the search as a wishlist item.
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5. Verify before buying. Confirm certification, review the holder’s grade and any details designation, and check the seller’s return policy.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this type called both “Coronet” and “Matron Head”?

Both names describe the same design. “Coronet” refers to the diadem Liberty wears bearing LIBERTY, while “Matron Head” reflects the larger, more mature appearance of the portrait compared with the preceding Classic Head cent.

Who designed the Coronet cent?

PCGS credits Robert Scot with the original 1816 design. Scot died in 1823, and later Mint engravers, including Christian Gobrecht, modified the portrait and hubs over the following years without replacing the basic design.

What is the 1817 15-star cent?

It is a die variety of the 1817 cent showing fifteen stars around Liberty’s portrait instead of the normal thirteen, a detail of interest to variety specialists.

Should I be cautious about coins dated 1823?

Yes. Privately made restrikes carrying an 1823 date exist and are not ordinary Mint circulation issues. Certification from PCGS or NGC helps confirm whether a specific coin is a genuine regular-issue piece.

What replaced the Coronet cent?

Christian Gobrecht’s Braided Hair cent replaced the Coronet design during the transitional year of 1839 and continued through the end of large cent production in 1857.

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