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)
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