Large Cents were minted from 1793-1857. These are fun detector finds!
1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Made of copper. Has chain on reverse side in a circle.
1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Made of Copper. Has wreath on reverse side.
1793-1796 Liberty Cap Cent. Made of Copper. Many variations.
1796-1807 Draped Bust Cent. Made of Copper. Many variations in hair.
1808-1814 Classic Head Cent. Made of Copper.
1816-1857 Coronet Cent. Made of Copper.
1856-1858 Flying Eagle Cent. Made of Copper.
1859-1909 Indian Head Cent. Made of Copper.
1909-1958 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Made of Copper. Originally issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. President Lincoln profile on one side and two wheat ears on the other. SPECIAL ISSUE of this cent during World War II because of the shortage of copper. Copper was needed for fabrication of bullets and cartridges. This cent was made of zinc coated steel and only in 1943. Also known as a "war penny". Your detector will reject this one as iron junk. Many of these are found in poor shape because the zinc wore off and the steel rusted away. In 1944-1958 a lot of pennies were struck from brass (salvaged cartridge cases from the military) because of the continuing shortage of new copper. That is why these might register a little differently on your detector as well.
1959-1982 Lincoln Memorial Cent. Made of Copper. President Lincoln profile on one side and Lincoln Memorial on the other.
1983-present Lincoln Memorial Cent. Made of Copper coated zinc. Same design as previous coin. Mint was losing too much money minting from solid copper so the switch was made to the cheaper zinc composit coin.