The Enduring Legacy of the U.S. Cent: A Coinage Journey

Introduction

The U.S. cent, a seemingly insignificant coin in today's economy, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the nation's past. While distinctly American, its origins can be traced back to the British penny, a familiar currency during the colonial era.

Colonial Monetary System

Prior to independence and for a significant time after it, the American colonies relied on a diverse monetary system. Foreign coins circulated freely alongside. This eclectic mix reflected the colonies' burgeoning trade relationships and their connection to the global economy.

The Birth of the U.S. Cent

The birth of the United States brought about the need for a National currency. The Coinage Act of 1792 established the U.S. Mint and authorized the production of the first U.S. cent. Although officially named a "Cent", the new coin was commonly referred to as a "Penny" by the public, a practice that continues even today.

Large Cents

These Large Cents varied in weight throughout their production to maintain one cent worth of copper and resemble contemporary coinage, including the British penny. The 1793 issue weighed 13.48 grams. In 1818, the weight was reduced to 10.89 grams and remained there throughout its production life.

The Small Cent Era

The introduction of the "small cent" in 1857 marked a significant shift in American coinage. Driven by the rising cost of copper, the smaller size and composition of these coins aimed to improve economic efficiency. The first small cent design, the "Flying Eagle," was minted for circulation from 1857-1858. This was followed by the "Indian Head" cent minted for circulation from 1859-1909, and eventually, the iconic "Lincoln" cent, which began in 1909 and is still minted for circulation today although it has gone through many changes.

Collecting Small Cents

Collecting Small Cents has been and still remains the most popular by a large margin. "Penny" collecting is fun, exciting and economical. If you check your pocket change today you may find a number of different reverses on the U.S. cent. The Wheat back was minted from 1909-1958, the Memorial reverse from 1959-2008, the four different reverses of 2009 are "Birth", "Formative Years", "Professional Life" & "Presidency". In 2010 the reverse was changed to the "Union Shield".

Is there another change coming? Only time will tell, but most of these coins can still be found in circulation.

Check out our selection on www.millersmint.com.

Happy Collecting!