Small Cents Guide
Small Cents represent the modern era of American coinage. While the transition from the Large Cent in 1857 was initially met with some skepticism by a public used to heavy copper, the “new” small penny quickly became an indispensable part of daily life. Spanning from the short-lived Flying Eagle cent to the ubiquitous Lincoln Cent of today, the Small Cent is often the entry point for millions of people into the world of coin collecting.
The Birth of the Small Cent: 1856–1857
The Small Cents we use today owe their existence to the high cost of copper in the 1850s. The Mint needed a smaller, cheaper alternative to the Large Cent. In 1856, they produced the Flying Eagle cent as a “pattern” or trial piece. It was made of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving it a pale, “white” appearance. This was the first time “nickel” was used in American coinage, and the public found the smaller size much more convenient for commerce.
The Three Major Series
The Small Cents category is divided into three primary designs, each with its own legendary status and key dates:
- Flying Eagle Cent (1856–1858): The shortest-lived design in the history of the denomination. It featured a soaring eagle designed by James B. Longacre. The 1856 is the ultimate key date of this series.
- Indian Head Cent (1859–1909): Despite the name, the portrait is actually Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. This series saw the transition from copper-nickel to the long-lasting “bronze” composition in 1864.
- Lincoln Cent (1909–Present): The longest-running design in U.S. history. Created by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth, this series has seen four major reverse changes: the Wheat Ears, the Lincoln Memorial, the 2009 Bicentennial designs, and the current Union Shield.
The Shift in Metallurgy: 1943 and 1982
Twice in the history of Small Cents, national necessity forced a change in metal. In 1943, during the height of World War II, the Mint needed copper for shell casings and wiring. To accommodate this, they produced cents out of zinc-coated steel. These “Steelies” are a favorite among children and new collectors due to their unique silver color.
The second major shift occurred in 1982. The price of copper had risen so high that a penny contained nearly two cents worth of metal. To prevent hoarding and melting, the Mint switched to a 97.5% zinc core with a thin copper plating. This remains the composition of the cent today.
Key Dates to Watch For
While billions of Small Cents are minted every year, certain dates and mintmarks are incredibly scarce. Identifying these is the key to building a valuable collection.
| Series | The “Key” Date | Why It Is Rare |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Eagle | 1856 | Very low mintage trial; highly coveted. |
| Indian Head | 1877 | Low mintage due to economic depression; rare in all grades. |
| Indian Head | 1909-S | Final year of the series; low mintage from the San Francisco Mint. |
| Lincoln Cent | 1909-S VDB | The most famous “small cent.” Features the designer’s initials. |
| Lincoln Cent | 1914-D | The second-rarest non-error Lincoln Cent. |
Collecting Small Cents
The beauty of Small Cents lies in their accessibility. One can still find interesting coins in “circulation” (bank rolls), though the days of finding Wheat Cents are sadly fading. Most collectors start by filling a “blue folder” with Lincoln cents. As they progress, they move into the more challenging Indian Head series or begin searching for “error” coins like the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse. Because the Small Cent is the most produced denomination in the world, the possibilities for specialization are truly endless.