1816-1837 Matron Head - More Details
By this time, mint officials realized the need to have Cents circulating through a growing economy, was tremendous. The so-called Matron Head copper was produced in several variations from 1816 through 1837 (plus 1839/6). Miss Liberty is restyled and now sports a more serious look.
Her hair is tied behind her head in a bun, with two plain cords, with additional tresses hanging downward. In her hair a diadem or coronet is inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround, interrupted by the date at the bottom. The reverse is stylistically similar to that used in 1808-1814 and consists of a continuous wreath tied with a ribbon, enclosing ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. This particular obverse style was used only on large cents and, unlike certain other large cent motifs, had no counterpart in the half cent series. In 1835 the head was slightly restyled; the change is most obvious at the point of the neck truncation. This new style is found on some 1835, all 1836 (and 1839/6) and some 1837 pieces and is distinguished by the small tip to the neck.
Specimens may be readily located in all grades from About Good to Uncirculated, although Uncirculated pieces are apt to be dated 1816 through 1820, particularly the years 1818 and 1820, remnants from the so-called Randall Hoard dispersed in the late 19th century.
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