FLOWING HAIR CENT, CHAIN REVERSE (1793 ONLY)
by Ron Guth
The first Large Cent appeared in 1793. The front of the coin featured a head of Miss Liberty, her hair flowing behind her head in free, unfettered locks. The word "LIBERTY" appears above her head; the date "1793" below. The reverse consisted of a continuous chain of 15 links, representing the 15 American States in existence at that time. The denomination, shown by the words "ONE CENT" and by the numerical fraction "1/100", appear within the chain. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surround the chain.
Instead of responding with enthusiasm over the striking of the first truly American coin, contemporary newspapers poked fun at the new designs.
This design was short-lived and was replaced late in the year by the 1793 "Wreath" Cent.
Specifications:
Designer: attributed to Henry Voight
Diameter: 27 millimeters
Metal content: Copper - 100%
Weight: 208 grains (13.5 grams)
Edge: Vine and vertical bars, alternating
Mintmarks: None (all examples of this type were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)
Edge Lettering
These is the different varieties of edge lettering.
1. Vine and vertical bars, alternating
2. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with one leaf after DOLLAR, or
3. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with two leaves after DOLLAR
1793 FLOWING HAIR CENT, CHAIN & WREATH REVERSE
Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions
Flowing Hair Wreath Rev. Large Cent
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Flowing Hair Chain Rev. Large Cent
Cherry Picker's List:
1793 Chain Periods
AMERI."
1. Vine and vertical bars, alternating
2. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with one leaf after DOLLAR, or
3. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with two leaves after DOLLAR
Strawberry Leaf Location (Wreath Reverse only)
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