1793 Wreath Large Cent – Historic Early Copper Classic | U.S. Mint’s Second Cent Design
The 1793 Wreath Cent stands as one of the most historically significant coins in American numismatics, representing the second design issued for the large cent series and a direct response to public criticism of the controversial Chain Cent. Issued exclusively in 1793, the Wreath Cent reflects a pivotal moment in the formative years of the Philadelphia Mint, where design refinement and symbolism played essential roles in early federal coinage.
A Design Born of Public Response
Following negative press over the Chain Cent’s reverse, which featured a chain of linked rings interpreted by some as a symbol of slavery, Mint Director David Rittenhouse commissioned a new design that sought to embody peace, strength, and unity. The result was the Wreath Cent, featuring a more dignified portrait of Liberty with flowing hairon the obverse, accompanied by a composite wreath of laurel and other foliage on the reverse. The wreath design remains a subject of numismatic debate, with theories suggesting it depicts a mix of bay laurel leaves (symbolizing victory and peace), cotton trefoils, and other plant elements such as corn tassels.
The reverse wreath, tied with a ribbon at the base, encloses the denomination ONE CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling the legend and 1/100 beneath the bow. The Wreath Cent continues the vine and bars edge design found on the Chain Cent, though rare edge lettered examples also exist.
1793 Wreath Cent Varieties and Production History
Between April and July of 1793, the Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 63,353 Wreath Cents using various obverse and reverse die pairings, creating several collectible varieties. Among these, notable types include:
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Large and Small LIBERTY Lettering
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Obverse Sprig Variations (leaf position and style easily distinguish die pairs)
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Trefoil Sprig or “Strawberry Leaf” Varieties (exceedingly rare)
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Lettered Edge vs. Vine and Bars Edge examples
The early production process was plagued by technical issues, including die cracking and incomplete hardening, which often led to buckling dies and irregular striking. The Mint's rudimentary rolling mills frequently broke down, halting production for weeks at a time.
Surviving examples of the 1793 Wreath Cent represent a higher-than-average survival rate for early coppers, partly due to hoarding by contemporary collectors and British numismatists who viewed the coin as a colonial novelty. Today, it’s estimated that approximately 2,400 to 2,800 Wreath Cents remain in all grades, with Mint State examples being extremely rare.
Key Reasons Collectors Seek the 1793 Wreath Cent:
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Second Issue of U.S. Federal Coinage – Direct successor to the Chain Cent, showcasing early design refinement.
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Symbolic and Artistic Significance – Composite wreath design likely intended to represent victory, unity, and the young nation’s ideals.
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Multiple Collectible Die Varieties – Appeals to both type collectors and die variety specialists.
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Historic Minting Techniques – Features hand-crafted dies with unique sprig placements and early planchet preparation methods.
1793 Wreath Cent Specifications:
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Designer: Attributed to David Rittenhouse’s direction, with possible engraving contributions from Adam Eckfeldt and others
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Diameter: Approximately 26–28.5 mm
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Weight: Standard 208 grains (13.48 grams), with observed variance between 200–216 grains
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Edge: Primarily vine and bars; scarce edge lettered examples exist
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Composition: Rolled from scrap copper
Availability and Market Perspective
At Paradime Coins, we are proud to offer expertly curated selections of early large cents, including certified 1793 Wreath Cents. Whether you’re searching for an affordable circulated example or a premium Mint State specimen, these coins hold a special place in early American numismatics and remain a cornerstone of any serious U.S. type collection.
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