Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 5,558,300
Proofs: estimated 20

Designer: Robert Scot

Diameter: 28-29 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - 100%

Weight: 168 grains (10.89 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)

Images courtesy of John D. Wright

Varieties (16):
Medium Reverse Letters:
     Newcomb 1 - Scarce
     Newcomb 2 - Common
     Newcomb 3 - Common
     Newcomb 4 - Common
     Newcomb 6 - Common
     Newcomb 7 - Common
     Newcomb 8 - Delisted
     Newcomb 13 - Common
     Newcomb 14 - Scarce
     Newcomb 15 - Very Scarce
     Newcomb 16 - Very Scarce
     Newcomb 17 - Very Scarce
Small Reverse Letters:
     Newcomb 5 - Common
Head of 1838:
     Newcomb 9  - Common
     Newcomb 10 - Common
     Newcomb 11 - Common
     Newcomb 12 - Scarce

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated "Head of 1838" Brown examples graded by PCGS are 9 MS-66BN's.

The finest Uncirculated "Head of 1838" Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 3 MS-66RB's.

The finest Uncirculated "Small Letters" Brown example graded by PCGS are 2 MS-65BN's.

The finest Uncirculated "Medium Letters" Brown examples graded by PCGS is a single MS-67BN.

The finest Uncirculated "Medium Letters" Red-Brown examples graded by PCGS are 4 MS-66RB's.

The finest Proof Brown example graded by PCGS is a single MS-64BN.

Recent appearances:
NGC MS-66 Red and Brown.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 6571, "Head of 1838", not illustrated, sold for $1,725.00

MS-64 Red and Brown, Questionable Color.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Santa Clara Signature Sale", November 16-17, 2000, Lot 5050, "Head of 1838", not illustrated, not sold

NGC MS-63 Brown.  Ex-Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 5867, "Head of 1838", not plated, sold for $235.75

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, October 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

"The Cent Book 1816-1839" by John D. Wright