1839, Coronet Head Cent: The Final Matron Head Large Cent

The 1839 Coronet Head Cent stands at a crossroads in American coinage history – the final year of a design that had defined the large cent for over two decades, and the last copper coin of its kind before the U.S. Mint moved toward a smaller, more refined era. For collectors of early American copper, this coin is far more than a penny. It carries a distinctive variety nickname, a fascinating origin story, and a value range that stretches from pocket change to five figures depending on condition.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the coin’s design history, what makes the “Booby Head” variety unique, how to read grading and color designations, what the market looks like today, and how to approach buying or selling one of these early copper pieces.

The End of the Matron Head Era

The Coronet Head large cent, also called the Matron Head, was minted at the Philadelphia Mint from 1816 through 1839. Engraver Robert Scot designed the coin to replace the preceding Classic Head series, giving Liberty a left-facing portrait and a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.”

By the late 1830s, the design had run its course. The coin was 28 millimeters wide and weighed 10.89 grams of pure copper – a substantial piece of metal for a one-cent denomination. As copper prices fluctuated, the economics of producing such a large, heavy coin became harder to justify. The U.S. Mint needed a change.

That change arrived in 1840 with the Braided Hair cent, designed by Christian Gobrecht. It featured a more refined portrait, braided hair detail, and a smaller overall appearance. The transition from Matron Head to Braided Hair was not just aesthetic – it reflected a broader shift in how the Mint approached coinage design and production efficiency. The 1839 Coronet Head Cent was the final chapter of a 23-year run, making it historically significant for anyone interested in early American numismatics.

For collectors who also follow the broader arc of U.S. coinage, the 1857 Flying Eagle Cent represents the next major transition – the end of the large cent format entirely – just 18 years after the 1839 issue.

What Is the “Booby Head” Variety?

The 1839 Coronet Head Cent is best known by its variety nickname: the Booby Head. This is not a modern marketing label. The name dates to 1859, when numismatist Dr. Montroville Dickeson first applied it, and was later standardized by Ebenezer Locke Mason, Jr. in 1868. It has been in continuous use among collectors ever since.

The nickname refers to specific design characteristics that set this 1839 issue apart from earlier Coronet cents.

Identifying the Booby Head

• Large, exposed shoulder: Liberty’s shoulder is unusually prominent and extends behind the neck in a way that differs from standard bust designs.
• Hair curl at the truncation: A specific strand of hair curls around the cut-off point of the bust, a modification not seen in earlier years.
• Somewhat crude portrait: Collectors have long noted that the Liberty portrait appears less refined than other designs of the period – a quality that gave rise to the nickname itself.

These features are not defects. They are intentional design elements that define this variety. The Booby Head is the standard 1839 Coronet cent – it is what most collectors mean when they refer to an 1839 large cent.

Mintage Numbers and Condition Rarity

Mintage figures for the 1839 Coronet Head Cent vary by source. PCGS CoinFacts reports approximately 3,128,661 coins produced, while some older references cite figures closer to 4,868,000. The lower figure from PCGS is generally considered more reliable based on modern research methods.

Either way, this is not a low-mintage coin in absolute terms. Over three million pieces entered circulation, and many survived in lower grades. The rarity of the 1839 cent is not about scarcity in general – it is about condition rarity. Finding one in Mint State, with original surfaces and strong color, is genuinely difficult.

Grading and Color Designations

Early copper coins are graded on the standard Sheldon scale (1-70), but they carry an additional designation that significantly affects value: color.

1. BN (Brown): The coin has toned to a uniform brown. Most circulated and even many uncirculated 1839 cents fall into this category.
2. RB (Red-Brown): The coin retains some original copper luster alongside brown toning. These are less common and command a premium.
3. RD (Red): The coin retains full original mint red color. For the 1839 Coronet cent, full red examples are exceedingly rare and drive the highest prices at auction.

When buying a certified 1839 cent, the color designation appears on the PCGS or NGC label alongside the grade. A coin graded MS-63 BN and one graded MS-63 RD can differ in value by thousands of dollars.

PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries

What Is the 1839 Coronet Head Cent Worth?

The value of this coin depends almost entirely on grade and color. The metal content contributes almost nothing. At the time of writing, copper trades at a small fraction of precious metal prices – gold sits at about $4,122 per ounce and silver at around $61 per ounce – while copper is valued at a few dollars per pound at most. The melt value of a 10.89-gram copper cent is well under $0.25. Every dollar of the coin’s value above that is numismatic.

The 2009 auction record of $10,063 for an MS-62 example illustrates how dramatically values climb once a coin enters Mint State territory. High-grade survivors with original red color represent some of the most desirable early American copper coins in existence.

For collectors building a diverse portfolio that spans copper, gold, and silver, the 1839 cent offers a tangible piece of American history at an accessible entry point. The Indian Head Cent series that followed decades later offers a similar appeal for collectors who enjoy early U.S. copper.

Common Misconceptions About the 1839 Cent

A few persistent misunderstandings tend to follow this coin in the marketplace.

“It’s rare because it’s old.” Age alone does not make a coin rare. Over three million 1839 cents were minted, and many survive in lower grades. The coin is only genuinely rare in high Mint State grades or with original red color.

“The Booby Head is a fake.” The nickname is historical and the variety is legitimate. It has been documented by numismatists since the 19th century and is fully recognized by PCGS and NGC.

“It has value because it contains copper.” The melt value is negligible. This coin’s worth is driven entirely by collector demand, condition, and historical significance.

“All 1839 cents are the same.” While the Booby Head is the standard 1839 variety, there are subtle differences in bust style within the year. The Booby Head is the most recognized and widely collected version.

How to Buy an 1839 Coronet Head Cent

Whether you are adding this coin to an existing collection or buying your first piece of early American copper, a few practical steps will protect your investment.

For collectors who are newer to numismatics and want guidance on spotting genuine pieces versus problem coins, our guide on how to spot counterfeit coins covers the key red flags across a range of early U.S. issues.

The 1839 Cent in the Context of Early U.S. Coinage Design

The Coronet Head cent existed during a period when American coinage was still finding its visual identity. The Philadelphia Mint was the only U.S. mint producing cents at the time, and the portrait of Liberty on coins was a subject of ongoing debate and revision. Robert Scot’s Matron Head design was itself a response to criticism of earlier, more idealized portraits.

By the late 1830s, Christian Gobrecht was already working on new designs that would shape American coinage for the next two decades. His Braided Hair cent of 1840 brought a more polished, classical look to the denomination. The contrast between the somewhat raw, heavy Matron Head and the refined Braided Hair cent reflects how quickly American minting technique and aesthetic sensibility evolved during this period.

The 1839 Coronet cent sits at that transition point. It is the last of one world and the beginning of another. That position in history is part of what makes it compelling to collectors who care about the story behind a coin, not just its metal content.

Collectors interested in how Liberty’s portrait evolved across different denominations during the same era will find similar themes in the Liberty Half Eagle series, which ran from 1839 to 1908 and captures many of the same design shifts in gold coinage.

Selling an 1839 Coronet Head Cent

If you already own an 1839 Coronet Head Cent and are considering selling, a few things will determine what you can expect to receive.

Condition is the primary driver. A worn G-4 example in brown is worth $15-$25 to most buyers. An uncirculated example with original surfaces is a different conversation entirely. Before selling, know your coin’s grade – ideally through a certified label from PCGS or NGC.

Color matters almost as much as grade in the early copper market. A brown Mint State coin and a red-brown Mint State coin of the same numeric grade can differ in value by 50% or more.

Cleaned coins sell at a significant discount. If a previous owner polished or dipped the coin to brighten it, that damage is permanent and reduces collector value substantially. Buyers at auction and through dealers will discount cleaned coins heavily.

For anyone looking to sell a numismatic coin, a vintage copper piece, or any other precious metal item, Accurate Precious Metals offers two convenient options. If you are local to Salem, Oregon, you can visit in person and get a direct assessment from our team. If you are anywhere else in the United States, our mail-in service lets you send your items securely – we provide insured shipping, evaluate your piece, and make a competitive offer based on current market conditions.

Accurate Precious Metals has been in business since 2012 and has earned more than 1,000 five-star reviews from customers across the country. We are a specialized precious metals dealer – not a pawn shop – and we handle everything from bullion and bars to numismatic coins, jewelry, and scrap. Our team evaluates coins and precious metals with care, and our pricing reflects real market conditions at the time of the transaction.

Whether you have a single 1839 cent or a full collection of early American copper, we are equipped to help you understand what you have and what it is worth. Visit us in Salem or use our nationwide mail-in selling service from wherever you are.

Summary: 1839 Coronet Head Cent at a Glance

The 1839 Coronet Head Cent is a coin that rewards patient, informed collectors. Its entry-level price is accessible. Its top-tier examples are genuinely rare. And its place in American coinage history – the last of the Matron Head era – gives it a narrative weight that pure bullion simply cannot match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. Golden Eagle Coin – 1839 Coronet Head Booby Head
2. Wikipedia – Coronet Large Cent
3. PCGS CoinFacts – 1839 1C Booby Head BN
4. Greysheet – 1839 Coronet Head Large Cent Values
5. Coin World – Market Analysis: 1839 Cent Nicknames