The official standards for the Classic Head Large Cents remained the same as the previous series. The coins were to be struck from pure copper, with a weight of 10.89 grams (168 grains) and diameter of approximately 29 mm.
Due to the impact of the War of 1812, the quality of the planchets used in production varied greatly. Many had metallic impurities or other issues. Production quality also varied, and many coins of this type were weakly struck, giving even uncirculated examples the appearance of a circulated coin at first glance.
Cherry-picking is advised to find problem-free examples with a good strike on an above average planchet.
