1 Cent "Liberty Head / Matron Head Modified" · “Liberty Head / Matron Head Modified”

The Matron Head Modified Cent — the coin that kept changing its face

In 1835 the U.S. Mint's chief engraver had a stroke. His young assistant took over the dies — and almost immediately began reworking the face of the cent. For the next four years the design refused to settle, and by 1839 Liberty had worn so many faces that collectors gave them rude nicknames that stuck for good.