U.S. Mint Releases Remarkable 357,830 Classic Head Cents Amidst War of 1812

The year 1814 was challenging for the United States Mint, marked by a war with Great Britain and a depleted national treasury. Despite these obstacles, the Mint managed to produce 357,830 Classic Head cents, striking the coins with two sets of identifiable dies: the Crosslet 4 and the Plain 4. Most surviving 1814 Classic Head cents are graded Extra Fine or below, with few in Mint State and none in Superb Gem or Red condition. The Crosslet 4 is more common in higher grades, including MS67BN. The Plain 4 is scarcer and has a notable curved die crack that develops as the die ages.

The United States Mint produced 357,830 Classic Head cents in 1814, a remarkable feat amidst the ongoing War of 1812. Despite the nation's capital being ransacked by British forces on August 24, American victories at Lake Champlain and Baltimore instilled a sense of optimism for the war's outcome.

Philadelphia remained the financial hub until the 1830s, despite the federal government's seat being in Washington, D.C. Managing depleted funds proved challenging for President James Madison's administration.

Copper imports from England slowed drastically, further exacerbating the shortage of metal for coinage. On October 27, Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt delivered the entire year's output of copper cents, totaling 357,830 pieces. However, the Mint was instructed to suspend further distribution of copper coins until further notice just two weeks later.

The Bank of Pennsylvania played a crucial role in distributing the coins into circulation. It is believed that most of the mintage was dispersed in 1815, as the bank received the coins on December 26.

The 1814 Classic Head cent was struck with two distinct pairs of dies, easily distinguishable by the presence or absence of a crosslet at the end of the numeral "4" in the date.

Market and Notable Specimens:

The majority of surviving 1814 Classic Head cents are graded Extra Fine or lower. Mint State examples are remarkably scarce, and none have been graded Superb Gem or higher. The few Red Brown (RB) coins attributed by NGC and PCGS are predominantly classified as Brown (BN).

1814 Classic Head Cent, Sheldon-294, Crosslet 4:

• Top Population: PCGS MS65+RB (1), NGC MS66RB (2), CAC MS65RB (1)

1814 Classic Head Cent, Sheldon-295, Plain 4:

• Top Population: PCGS MS67BN (1), NGC MS66RB (2), CAC MS67BN (1)

Several notable specimens have garnered significant attention in the numismatic community:

• PCGS MS67BN CAC #3195341 (Foxfire Collection): Sold for $158,625 in 2015.
• PCGS MS65BN #32708439 (D. Brent Pogue Collection): Initially sold as MS66RB, this coin was later downgraded to BN but retained its RB designation, leading to questions about its true color.

Coin Specifications:

• Country: United States of America
• Year of Issue: 1814
• Denomination: One Cent (USD)
• Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
• Mintage: 357,830
• Alloy: Copper
• Weight: 10.89 g
• Diameter: 29.00 mm
• Edge: Plain
• Obverse Designer: John Reich
• Reverse Designer: John Reich
• Quality: Business Strike