Collection: Type 1, Chain Cent (1793)

1793–1796 Flowing Hair and Liberty Cap Large Cents | Early U.S. Copper Classics

The Flowing Hair and Liberty Cap large cents, produced from 1793 through 1796, represent the true origins of American federal copper coinage and remain among the most historically significant and highly sought-after issues in U.S. numismatics. These ... Read More

1793–1796 Flowing Hair and Liberty Cap Large Cents | Early U.S. Copper Classics

The Flowing Hair and Liberty Cap large cents, produced from 1793 through 1796, represent the true origins of American federal copper coinage and remain among the most historically significant and highly sought-after issues in U.S. numismatics. These early copper cents showcase a remarkable evolution of design experimentation during the Mint’s formative years, with multiple distinct subtypes and several key rarities that continue to captivate collectors worldwide.

Chain Cent (1793)

The 1793 Chain Cent, America’s first official large cent, holds a special place as one of the earliest coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Its obverse features Liberty with flowing, unkempt hair—a design meant to symbolize freedom, though some critics at the time found the portrait crude and the expression startled. The reverse displays a continuous chain of fifteen links, intended to represent the unity of the original fifteen states. However, the design was met with public controversy, as some mistook the chain imagery as a symbol of bondage. With a limited mintage and strong collector demand, Chain Cents are prized rarities across all grades.

Wreath Cent (1793)

Issued later the same year, the 1793 Wreath Cent introduced a more refined portrait of Liberty, now framed by an elegant wreath on the reverse, replacing the controversial chain design. This subtype offers several notable varieties, including the exceedingly rare “Strawberry Leaf” Wreath Cent—distinguished by a unique leaf cluster beneath Liberty’s bust, believed by some to represent strawberries, cotton, or another plant species. The rarity of the Strawberry Leaf variety makes it one of the legendary rarities in American numismatics.

Liberty Cap Cent (1793–1796)

The Liberty Cap large cent, inspired by the design previously used on the half cent, debuted late in 1793 and continued through 1796. Liberty is shown facing right, wearing a soft cap of freedom atop a pole—an enduring symbol of liberty rooted in classical tradition. This type offers several highly collectible varieties, including the famous 1794 Starred Reverse, featuring tiny stars interspersed among the denticles on the reverse—one of the most intriguing design elements found on any early American copper coin.

Other important varieties in this period include the 1795 “Jefferson Head” cents, believed to have been struck outside of the official Mint, possibly in a bid for a private coining contract. The year 1795 also saw a reduction in planchet weight and the discontinuation of edge lettering. As a result, 1795 large cents exist with lettered edges, plain edges, and the extremely rare reeded edge format.

Draped Bust Cent Introduction (1796)

In 1796, the Liberty Cap design was gradually phased out and replaced by the Draped Bust cent, marking a new chapter in the large cent series. However, a small number of 1796 Liberty Cap cents were still struck alongside the new design, creating an important crossover year for type collectors.

Why Collect Flowing Hair and Liberty Cap Large Cents?

• Historic Significance: Among the first official coinage of the U.S. Mint, symbolizing America’s early identity and independence.

• Multiple Rare Varieties: Includes the coveted Chain Cent, Strawberry Leaf Wreath Cent, Starred Reverse, and other notable varieties.

• Accessible for Date Sets: While certain varieties are rare, basic date sets can be assembled in circulated grades with patience.

• Rich Variety Appeal: Die states, overstrikes, edge types, and planchet weights provide endless research opportunities for advanced collectors.

At Paradime Coins, we are proud to offer a carefully curated selection of certified early large cents, described with precision and professionalism. Whether you’re seeking an affordable entry-level example or a showcase rarity for an advanced collection, explore our inventory of these foundational pieces of U.S. numismatic history.