You get what you got ! 0

[R__Rash]

Hello, I’ve been reading a lot of y’all’s Post for a couple of years. Good stuff, Thanks. 
I will now be a newbie. I bought a few dozen large cents very recently (random dates) just to have around to share with the grandchildren and discuss their history. I dumped them out on the table and saw The coin I am posting here, and am in curiosity to responses to what the ???? Is this. All for fun and education.  thanks for any responses in advance.

 

 

[Greenstang]

Welcome to the Forum

Looks like it has been modified.

Please show the reverse as well. ( This should be standard when making inquires)

[R__Rash]

[Greenstang]

Thanks for the reverse picture. Makes it much easier.

Too me it looks like a counterfeit 1818 Coronet Head Large Cent.

[Just Bob]

Welcome to the forum. 

Let's narrow this down:

The 1818 cent was the "Matron Head" design. Since this is a Braided Hair cent, it had to have been made between 1839-1857. (It is most definitely not one of the rare proof re-strikes from 1868) Further, the obverse was modified in 1843 by changing and repositioning Miss Liberty's head slightly. You don't show the reverse, but it was also modified that year. All that being said, the most likely explanation is that it is a cent from 1848, which was damaged, either intentionally or accidently, which made the "4" look like a "1".

 

While I was typing, the reverse picture was posted. It is the later, "Large Letters" version, used after 1842. "A modified 1848" seems to be the answer.

Edited December 11, 2021 by Just Bob
typo

[R__Rash]

It also stands out in the crowd because of its car wash token brass/bronze look. 

Well you get what ya got when this is how you bought. But again they were purchased as curio for the grandchildren.

I really wasn’t expecting F+ quality when I ordered. Just thought I’d share what you can find on the streets.

thanks

[Conder101]

They have it correct, an 1848 that has been "modified" to make an 1818.  Why?  Wo knows.  Maybe prcticing so they can make more convincing 1815's out of 1845's.