1812 1C Large Date, BN VG10BN 认证号12419593, PCGS号1564

American control over Lake Champlain was asserted in the War of 1812 when, during September of 1814, sailors of the American Flagship - Saratoga - used cables to quickly turn their vessel such that it might broadside the British flagship, Confiance. The Confiance was concurrently attempting the same maneuver but lost the high-stakes race, receiving a mortal broadside from the 26-gun Saratoga. Commanding the Saratoga was Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough. And in his pocket as the crew toiled was this Cent.

Gordon Wrubel

Even when looking at the great photos above, the differences between the 1812 Large Date and Small Date cents may not be readily apparent. Yes, the numerals in the Large Date are larger than the numerals in the Small Date. But when you are looking at a lone, unattributed 1812 cent with no photos or comparison pieces at hand, there is a simple way to tell which one you have. Just look at the 8 in the date. The 8 punch used on the Small Date variety has an opening in the bottom loop that is about twice the size of the opening in the top loop. On the Large Date variety, the 8 punch used has large large openings that are about the same size.