1793 1C CHAIN AMERICA F15 PCGS CAC

Struck in the opening weeks of 1793, this Chain Cent belongs to the earliest generation of coinage produced by the United States Mint and represents the first cent issued for circulation under federal authority. This 1793 Chain Cent, certified F15 by PCGS and verified by CAC, represents the first official one-cent issue struck for general circulation by the United States Mint—an essential cornerstone of American federal coinage. Minted in Philadelphia during the earliest days of production, just 36,103 Chain Cents were struck between February 27 and March 12, 1793, across five distinct die pairings.  Although well circulated and graded in the Fine range, this example is far superior to most survivors in terms of surface quality and originality. Chain Cents are frequently encountered with heavy porosity, corrosion, planchet defects, or evidence of cleaning or smoothing. This coin, by contrast, exhibits a pleasingly hard and stable copper surface with smooth texture and no major impairments—suggesting it was struck on a quality planchet and well preserved in its post-Mint life. Minor circulation marks are present but remain unobtrusive, and the overall surface integrity speaks to the coin’s care and inherent strength. Liberty’s portrait, adapted by Henry Voigt, remains sharply outlined at center. Her flowing hair and facial contours are still evident, with LIBERTY fully legible at the upper rim and the date faint but identifiable below. The surfaces are a handsome, natural chocolate brown, with undertones of walnut and olive accenting the recessed design elements. There is no evidence of harsh cleaning, pitting, or corrosion—traits that significantly elevate the appeal of this early copper specimen. Strike softness, typical of the issue, is noted near the upper hair and lower right rim, though the central portrait remains well-defined. The reverse displays the famed chain design—fifteen interlocking links representing the original states—encircling the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “1/100.” The links remain bold and well-articulated, and the full spelling of “AMERICA” confirms the early, original reverse configuration prior to the abbreviated “AMERI.” version. With CAC approval, this Chain Cent distinguishes itself within a population of mostly impaired survivors. A CAC-approved F15 represents a rare combination of aesthetic quality, technical soundness, and historical importance. No CAC example in similar grades have sold in years especially increased strong bids for CAC coins; however PCGS Price Guide lists at $28,000 and the CAC at $29,000. CAC Population data confirms 4 approved at this grade with just 29 certified higher—underscoring the difficulty of sourcing problem-free, certified examples with premium eye appeal.

PCGS Cert Verification #14920867

• PCGS Price Guide -$28,000
• PCGS POP - 35/159
• CAC Price Guide - $29,000
• CAC POP - 4/29
• PCGS Coin#  1341