1839 Large Cent Attribution Tips

Been studying the 1839 cent and I think I've found a fairly good method.

First look where the coronet meets the stars. If at star 5 instead of star 6 it's N8 (head of 40).

Next look for the hair in front of the brow. If it's not there, it's N1-3 (head of 38). Look at the space under the date, if it's large, it's N1. If not, check the space between the hair an coronet under the L. On N2 it will be distinct but missing on N3. Also, the berries on N3 by AM will be weak.

What's left is silly and booby head. Silly head looks like it's wearing one of those hair bump things they sell on TV. Very pronounced and rounded, almost domelike. If there is a round hole in front of the ear canal, it's N9, otherwise N4.

Booby head is a bit trickier. Look at the berry near the T in UNITED. One reverse is missing it and always means N14. If it is there, but the vine does not double back into the wreath, it's either N6 or N11. If Liberty has a flat neck, it's N6, if convex, N11. The last 4, N10, N12, N13, and N15 need close study of the shape of the front of the coronet and other features.





If not head of 38,