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← 1837 Plain Cords, Small Letters Coronet Head Large Cents • 1816–1839 1839 1839/6 Overdate →
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1838

Large Cents · Coronet Head Large Cents · 1816–1839
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter28.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 6,370,200 Combined mintage for all 1838 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot / Christian Gobrecht
Collector's Key IDCK-237

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1838 large cent was struck in substantial quantity, with a mintage of over 6.3 million coins. The high output makes the 1838 one of the most common Coronet Head dates and one of the most affordable entry points in the entire early large cent series. Good to Fine examples are plentiful, and even higher grades are more available than for most Coronet Head dates.

The 1838 is often recommended as a type coin for the Coronet Head design. The combination of high mintage, reasonable availability, and moderate pricing makes it the practical choice for collectors who want one example of the design without spending key-date money.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $19.50 $23
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $25 $29
F-12 Fine (F) $36 $42
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $59 $68
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $121 $140
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $205 $235
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $270 $315
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $590 $625
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1838 Coronet Head Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $270–$315 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1838 Coronet Head Large Cents were minted?
6,370,200 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1838 varieties).
What is a 1838 Coronet Head Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1838 Coronet 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 1838 Coronet 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.