Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/13/2009

Question
Hello.  A short time ago I began collecting large cents. I have a new Dansco album for the collection. There are 5 slots for 1839 cents....head of the 1838. a silly head, a bobby head and for a petite head, to name 4 of these. However, the album has a space designated for an "1839" only. Although I have asked many people about this and tried researching on my own, I have yet to figure out just what Dansco intends to go in the space. Hopefully you will be able to "show me the light".  Thanking you in advance, I am ...........Keith V. Gould

Answer
Hello Keith,                              

My listings show two variety’s that can fill the hole there. Depending on when the album was printed there may have been a space for an over date.

1839 with plain cords or the 1839 looking like the 9 is punched over a 6 (over-date) and a plain cord.
These and the others you know of are all varieties and not errors in the Young Liberty Head Large Cent series.  

The 9 over 6 is due to the die sinker inverting the digit 9 on the die hub and then re-punching it correctly.
It is valued at least ten times higher in all grades.  

Only one 1839 variety features the Braided Hair type.

1 - "Head of 1838" Slim bust with beaded cord.
2 - "Silly Head" Lock of hair at forehead modified.  
3 - "Booby Head" Liberty shoulder through hair different.
4 - "1839/6" Also has plain cord.
5 - “Braided Hair "Type 1840

This information is found in "The Cent Book 1816-1839" by John D. Wright his writing documents 15 different Varieties for the 1839 Large Cent, or try “ Large Cents 1816 to 1839 - Bill Noyes“.

I hope this information helps.

If there any more information you require on this question or any USA Coin feel free to just ask.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack