1854–1856 Large Cents 3-pc Set G–VG

The Final Years Of America’s Large Cents

The Lincoln Cent is the longest-running design in U.S. Mint history. But it’s certainly not our first Cent, and definitely not our largest! About the size of a half dollar, the Large Cent was one of the first coin types struck by the U.S. Mint in 1793 – just one year after the mint first opened its doors! Now you can secure a handful of these classic Large Cents struck between 1854 to 1856 in Good to Very Good (G–VG) condition, meaning they actually changed hands in commerce more than 165 years ago!

Popular Pre-Civil War-Era Coins

Large cents were popular in the early 1800s—but not just for use in commerce. Some were nailed to new buildings or to a sailing ship’s mast for good luck. Some were punched and then threaded with a string and worn as a way to ward off various ailments. At only one cent apiece, these coins worked well as readily available and inexpensive charms. Some were even carried by soldiers in the Civil War in the hopes that the big coins would stop a bullet. After the Civil War, however, these coins were no longer accepted as legal tender so many were fashioned into gears, washers, and other parts to keep machinery running. Others were tossed away into drawers and forgotten.

Start Or Add To Your Collection Of Large Cents With These Alluring Coins

What can’t be forgotten is the importance and beauty of these coins. Many variations of Lady Liberty appeared on the Large Cent coins struck up to 1857, but the reverse remained essentially the same—the denomination of “ONE CENT” surrounded by a wreath encircled by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” In this 3-coin set, you’re guaranteed to get three coins from the final four years the coins was struck—1854, 1855, and 1856 (the last-ever 1857 Large Cent is extremely scarce). Unlike today’s Lincoln Cents that measure 19 mm diameter, the Large Cent is more than 30% larger in diameter at 27.5 mm. This larger diameter is an alluring factor for collectors. If you’ve never collected Large Cents before, this is the place to start!