Overview

The Flowing Hair Large Cent, minted from 1793 to 1796, is one of the earliest U.S. coins, making it a key piece of American numismatic history. Designed by Henry Voigt and later revised by Robert Scot, the obverse features a left-facing Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse displays a simple wreath encircling the denomination. Collectors highly value Flowing Hair Large Cents for their historical significance, extreme rarity, and classic early American design, making them some of the most desirable coins in U.S. numismatics.

History of the Flowing Hair Large Cent

The Flowing Hair Large Cent was first struck in 1793, making it one of the first coins produced by the newly established U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. It was created in response to the Coinage Act of 1792, which authorized the production of U.S. copper coinage.

The series saw two distinct reverse designs:

• 1793 Chain Cent – The first-ever official U.S. cent, featuring a chain of 15 links on the reverse to symbolize unity, though it was quickly replaced due to public criticism.
• 1793 Wreath Cent – Introduced later in the same year, this design replaced the Chain Cent and featured a more traditional wreath surrounding “ONE CENT.”

By 1796, the Flowing Hair design was replaced with the Draped Bust Large Cent, reflecting an effort to improve the coin’s artistic quality.

Collecting Flowing Hair Large Cent Coins

Collectors seek Flowing Hair Large Cents for their historical importance, extreme scarcity, and status as some of the first coins minted by the United States. Due to primitive minting technology, many examples have weak strikes, planchet defects, or surface corrosion, making well-preserved specimens particularly valuable.

Notable key dates and varieties include:

• 1793 Chain Cent (AMERI. Reverse) – The rarest variety, where “AMERICA” is abbreviated as “AMERI.” due to space constraints.
• 1793 Chain Cent (With Periods) – Features full “AMERICA” with added design modifications.
• 1793 Wreath Cent – The redesigned reverse featuring a more intricate wreath replacing the controversial chain design.
• 1794 & 1795 Issues – Produced in larger numbers but still scarce in high grades.
• 1796 Final-Year Issue – The last Flowing Hair Large Cent, transitioning to the Draped Bust design.

Additionally, collectors seek original, problem-free examples with smooth surfaces and strong details, as many Flowing Hair Large Cents have condition issues.

Tips for Collectors

• Where to Find Them: Flowing Hair Large Cents are extremely rare and typically only found at high-profile auctions, major numismatic dealers, and museum collections.
• Key Details to Watch For: Seek sharp Liberty details, full wreath definition, and minimal planchet flaws.
• Proper Storage: Store Flowing Hair Large Cents in certified holders or climate-controlled safes to protect their delicate surfaces from corrosion.

Most Valuable Coin

The 1793 Chain Cent (AMERI. Reverse) is one of the most valuable U.S. coins, as it represents the first-ever U.S. cent and was struck in extremely limited numbers. High-grade examples have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it a key piece in early American numismatics.

Investment Potential

The Flowing Hair Large Cent is a top-tier investment coin due to its extreme rarity, historical significance, and collector demand. Coins such as the 1793 Chain Cent, 1793 Wreath Cent, and high-grade 1794-1796 issues continue to appreciate in value. Well-documented pedigrees and problem-free examples command the highest premiums.

Key Dates and Varieties

Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:

• 1793 Chain Cent (AMERI. Reverse) – One of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins.
• 1793 Chain Cent (With Periods) – Features a revised inscription spelling out “AMERICA.”
• 1793 Wreath Cent – Introduced later in 1793, featuring a redesigned reverse.
• 1794 & 1795 Issues – Produced in higher numbers but still scarce in high grades.
• 1796 – The final issue of the series before transitioning to the Draped Bust design.

Notable Errors

• Planchet Cracks & Flaws – Many early cents have surface defects due to the mint’s crude refining process.
• Weak Strikes – Some coins exhibit poor detail, particularly in Liberty’s hair.
• Off-Center Strikes – Occasionally, Large Cents were struck misaligned, adding collector appeal.

Design Features

The Flowing Hair Large Cent, designed by Henry Voigt and later refined by Robert Scot, features:

• Obverse: A left-facing Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing freedom.
• Reverse: A wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” with the fraction “1/100” below.

Key design modifications include:

• 1793 Chain Cent: A controversial chain reverse, quickly replaced.
• 1793 Wreath Cent: A more accepted wreath reverse design, used for the remainder of the series.

Conclusion

The Flowing Hair Large Cent is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a rare glimpse into the origins of U.S. Mint coin production. With its low mintages, extreme rarity, and historical importance, this series remains one of the most prestigious and valuable coins in U.S. history. Understanding its rarities, condition challenges, and market trends is essential for collectors and investors seeking to acquire Flowing Hair Large Cents.