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1812 Small Date
| Weight | 10.89 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 1,075,500 Combined mintage for all 1812 varieties |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | John Reich |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-166 |
Collection
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Other recorded varieties for 1812:
- 1812 Large Date · Large Date
External references
The 1812 Small Date variety uses the more compact numeral punches for the date. The digits are shorter and narrower than the Large Date version. The variety is less common than the Large Date and carries a modest premium among collectors who pursue both versions.
Identifying the Small Date requires comparison with the Large Date, either in hand or against reference images. The difference is consistent but not dramatic, and confident attribution comes with experience. Certification services specify the date size on the holder, removing the attribution burden from the buyer.
Both 1812 date sizes represent the same historical moment: the first year of the War of 1812, with the Mint still operating normally but the copper supply chain beginning to tighten. Within three years, the shortage would halt large cent production entirely.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | — | — |
How much is a 1812 Small Date Classic Head Large Cent worth?
How many 1812 Small Date Classic Head Large Cents were minted?
What is a 1812 Small Date Classic Head Large Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1812 Small Date Classic Head Large Cent?
Is the 1812 Small Date Classic Head Large Cent a key date?
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