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1812 Large Date

Large Cents · Classic Head Large Cents · 1808–1814
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter29 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,075,500 Combined mintage for all 1812 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerJohn Reich
Collector's Key IDCK-165

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1812:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1812 Large Date large cent uses the taller, bolder date numeral punches to create the date. The distinction from the Small Date variety is in the physical size of the digits, determined by which punch set the engraver selected. The Large Date is the more commonly encountered of the two 1812 varieties and accounts for the larger portion of the year's production.

The 1812 is a significant date historically. The War of 1812 began in June, and while the conflict did not immediately halt Mint operations, it set in motion the copper supply disruptions that would interrupt large cent production in 1815. The 1812 large cent was struck during the first year of the war, using copper that had been secured before hostilities disrupted trade with Britain, the primary source of the Mint's planchet stock.

Surviving examples are available in circulated grades without extraordinary effort. The coin served as money during wartime and wore like any other copper coin. A well-preserved Fine with original surfaces is a solid acquisition that combines numismatic and historical interest.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $96 $111
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $183 $210
F-12 Fine (F) $400 $460
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $735 $845
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $1,775 $2,045
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) — —
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) — —
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) — —
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1812 Large Date Classic Head Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $96–$111, rising to roughly $1,775–$2,045 in Extremely Fine. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1812 Large Date Classic Head Large Cents were minted?
1,075,500 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1812 varieties).
What is a 1812 Large Date Classic Head Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1812 Large Date Classic Head Large Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1812 Large Date Classic Head Large Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.