Guide to Collecting USA Cents

How to collect USA Cents

Cents and half-cents were the first coins struck by the United States of America. The first coins were minted in 1793. By law, the half-cent must be exactly half the weight of one cent. Americans often refer to them as pennies. You can see USA Cents on eBay UK (affiliate link)

Which USA Cents to look for?

The lowest mintage USA Cents are:
(These are coins in our database, list may not be exhustive)

Coins in the USA Cents Category

See List of USA Cents coins

More Information about coins for Collectors

Cents and half-cents were the first coins struck by the United States of America. The first coins were minted in 1793. By law, the half-cent must be exactly half the weight of one cent. Americans often refer to them as pennies.

The general classification of cents is as follows:

Large cents:

  • Flowing Hair Chain 1793
  • Flowing Hair Wreath 1793
  • Liberty Cap 1793–1796
  • Draped bust 1796–1807
  • Classic Head 1808–1814
  • Liberty Head 1816-1857
    • Coronet 1816–1839
      • Matron Head 1816-1835
      • Matron Head Modified ("Young Head") 1835-1839
    • Braided Hair 1839–1857, 1868
Small cents:

  • Flying Eagle cent (1856–1858)
  • Indian Head cent (1859–1909)
  • Lincoln cent (1909–present)
    • Lincoln Wheat (1909–1958)
    • Lincoln Memorial (1959–2008)
    • Lincoln Bicentennial 4 reverse designs (2009)
    • Lincoln Union Shield[13] (2010–present)
100 cents = 1 Dollar.