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1793 Chain Cent Obverse     1793 Chain Cent Reverse

  
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.

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)

Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions

Years of issue:
1793

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

 

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