World's Largest Club for
Collectors of Early U.S. Copper Coins

HALF CENTS

LARGE CENTS

COLONIALS

HARD TIMES TOKENS

Upcoming Conventions

2025 EAC Convention

PITTSBURGH, PA

May 14-18, 2025

Pittsburgh Marriott City Center

2026 EAC Convention

CHARLOTTE, NC

Past Conventions

Become an EAC Member

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, EAC offers a wealth of resources, knowledge, and camaraderie.

PENNY-WISE

Award-Winning
Quarterly Journal of
Early American Coppers

Highly regarded among U.S. numismatic journals, Penny-Wise has won a number of awards. Published without fail since its debut in September 1967, it remains a quarterly publication released every January, April, July, and October.

"Thanks to EAC's dynamism, copper cents remain as appealing to collect today as they were in the 1850s."

Q. David Bowers

American numismatist, author, and columnist

Early American Coppers

What We Collect

Half Cents

Congress passed the Mint Act of 1792 on April 2 of that year. The Act authorized several coin denominations from the half cent to the gold eagle. While a half cent coin seems useless today, it was a valuable part of the economy when a typical laborer’s daily pay was one dollar. Half cents were first produced in 1793 and continued until 1857 with several gaps, notably from 1812 through 1824 with none produced, and from 1836 through 1848 with none issued for circulation. In 1836, and again from 1840 through 1848, proof examples were struck for collectors and presentation.

Large Cents

The one cent denomination was authorized in 1792 with the first issues struck in 1793. They were not known as “large cents” until the diameter was reduced to the familiar small size known today. Like the half cents, the one cent coins were produced until 1857. Examples are known with every year except 1815, and all were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Three different designs were issued in 1793, starting with the Chain cent that proved unpopular at the time. Large cents remain highly popular with past and present collectors for their modest cost compared to silver or gold coins.

Colonial Coins

A variety of coins served Colonial America from the middle 17th century to the middle 19th century. Chief among them were the Spanish Milled Dollar and its fractional pieces. The first coins produced in America were the Massachusetts silver pieces dated 1652. The Higley coppers, such as the piece shown here, were the first copper coins produced in the colonies. Individual states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont, produced coins for local use. The 1787 Fugio cents are considered the first government coinage issues. The first United States Mint established in Philadelphia in 1792 sought to standardize national coinage.

Hard Times Tokens

America experienced a depression during the late 1830s and early 1840s. During that financial panic, many privately produced tokens served as unofficial coinage. Some of those tokens carried political or satirical themes, while others were merchant advertising pieces. Known as Hard Times tokens, these pieces are highly collectible today. While most tokens were copper, others were issued in brass, white metal (tin), German silver, and silver. A number of important Hard Times token collections have been formed and sold during the EAC era, and the series is the topic of several important reference works. The series is affordable for most.

"Like good jewelry, they seem to transcend human mortality and grow richer with age."

Dr. William H. Sheldon

American numismatist, author, and columnist

Historical Highlights

Since its inception, EAC has achieved numerous milestones.

Founded in 1967

EAC was established to bring together collectors and experts in early
American copper coins, fostering a community of shared knowledge and
enthusiasm.

Expansion to Over 850 Members

From its modest beginnings, EAC has grown into a large organization with members nationwide, each contributing to the rich tapestry of American numismatic history.

Heath Award-Winning Articles

Club members have published numerous articles of original research that have been recognized with the prestigious Heath Award, reflecting the level of scholarship and dedication within our community.

World's Largest Club for Collectors of Early U.S. Copper Coins

HALF CENTS​

LARGE CENTS​