1793 1C Wreath, Strawberry Leaf, BN
The 1793 1C Wreath, Strawberry Leaf, BN is a coin that holds a special place in numismatic history due to its extreme rarity and unique design features. Minted in the early days of the United States Mint, the Wreath cent was intended to replace the Chain cent, and it carried a more aesthetically pleasing reverse design featuring a wreath. Among the variants, the Strawberry Leaf type is distinguished by its unusual leaf design that deviates from the usual trefoil pattern.
Rarity and Mintage
The 1793 Wreath, Strawberry Leaf cents are exceedingly rare, with only four known examples. Their creation is somewhat shrouded in mystery, as they were not listed under the official mintage records for that year. This rarity has made them one of the most sought-after coins for collectors of early American copper. The specific mintage of these cents is not documented, but they are conflated with the general Wreath cent production of 63,353 coins minted in Philadelphia. The PCGS Coin Facts lists this coin under the number 1353.
Notable Sales and Value
Due to the coin's rarity, examples of the 1793 Wreath, Strawberry Leaf have achieved remarkable prices at auction. For instance, an MS63 BN (Brown) graded example, from the renowned Partrick Collection, fetched over $860,000 at auction. These auctions have highlighted the coin's status as a numismatic treasure and its desirability among collectors, pushing its value into the upper echelons of early copper collecting.
Historical Significance
From a historical perspective, the 1793 Wreath cent was part of the United States' first efforts to establish a standard coinage system. The introduction of copper cents was part of Alexander Hamilton's vision for a strong national currency. The Strawberry Leaf variety holds particular intrigue as it showcases a design experiment that never saw wider adoption, representing the nascent stages of American minting.
Design and Iconography
The unique strawberry leaf design sets this variant apart. Only present on four known coins, it is a testament to the experimental nature of the early Mint's operations. The obverse features Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by the inscription "LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY." The reverse features a wreath encircling the denomination, with the distinctive strawberry leaf evident amongst the foliage.
Legacy and Market Trends
In the numismatic community, the 1793 Wreath, Strawberry Leaf cent is revered not just for its scarcity but also for the glimpse it provides into the early challenges and innovations of the U.S. Mint. While the exact reasoning for its creation remains speculative, the coin stands as a piece of American history that evokes the experimental spirit of its era. Market trends show these coins continue to rise in value, driven by their rarity, historical relevance, and the interest of collectors in early American copper. With its extraordinary rarity, historical context, and unique design, the 1793 1C Wreath, Strawberry Leaf, BN provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of American coinage, capturing the imagination of collectors and numismatists alike.