Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/5/2007

Question
I have a United States penny from 1837, it's about the size of a current half dollar and copper.  On one side it features the head of Lady Liberty, wearing a crown with the word 'liberty' on it, and a border of stars all around.  On the other side are the words ONE CENT in the middle, surrounded by a circle of wheat and the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are printed on the outer border of the wheat.  I would like to know the value of the liberty penny I found, so if you could please get back to me as soon as possible I would appreciate it.

Thank you PAPAJACK,

Cheryl

Answer
Hello Cheryl,                               

This is a US Large Cent showing the young head Lady Liberty wearing a coronet. The reverse has a Laurel Wreath not wheat.
There were 3 varieties of the design but they all value about the same in circulated grades.

Good (Grade-4) = $15.50
Considerably worn LIBERTY readable in coronet.

Very Good (Grade-8) = $20.50
Hairlines are smooth but visible, outline of ear clearly defined.

Fine (grade-12) = $30.50
Hairlines at top of head and behind ear are worn but visible. Braid over brow is plain to see and the ear is clear.

Very Fine (grade-20) = $40.00
All details more sharp than previous grades. Hair over brow shows only slight wear.

Extremely Fine (grade-40) = $79.00 and
Hair above ear only slightly worn, coin shows all details.

Almost Uncirculated (grade-50) = $174.00
All hair and leaves in wreath are well defined and coin shows some mint luster (like a new coin does)

These are approximate values for coins with no problems like having been cleaned, scratched nicked or dented and having no other damage or contamination. If you need help grading or finding a coin person in your neighborhood to look at your coin feel free to write back.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack