1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Reverse Cent
In the early days of the United States Mint, a remarkable and challenging chapter unfolded with the introduction of the 1793 Chain Cents. These copper coins, intended for general circulation, became the subject of intense public ridicule, earning them the unenviable distinction of being the first American design to face such harsh criticism.
The fledgling Philadelphia Mint, unaccustomed to such hostility, found itself ill-prepared to deal with the onslaught of criticism that followed. Even within the halls of Congress, there were calls to abolish the Mint altogether, leaving its personnel uncertain about their future employment.
Numerous obstacles further plagued the Mint's operations. There was a shortage of quality copper and a lack of decent steel to craft the desperately needed coinage dies. To add to their woes, the Mint relied on rickety and unreliable rollers to flatten the copper into usable sheets. The working hours were grueling, but at least a daily rum ration provided some solace amidst the difficulties they faced. However, the annual outbreak of yellow fever during late summer months, which disproportionately affected Philadelphia's poorer residents, proved to be a much more frightening and disruptive challenge, leading to alarming death rates.
In response to the public's disdain for the Chain Cents, Mint Director David Rittenhouse sought a quick change to the cent design. He instructed die engraver Adam Eckfeldt to remove the offending chains from the reverse while retaining the flowing-hair Liberty head, which had previously startled some observers with its appearance of fright.
Interestingly, the initial Liberty head was inspired by French medalist Augustin Dupre's elegant Libertas Americana medal, created as a public relations effort by American statesman Benjamin Franklin. This medal, minted in 1783 to celebrate American victories in the Revolution, featured a handsome Liberty figure with flowing locks symbolizing freedom.
The new Liberty head on the coins exhibited long, separate locks blowing wildly, even more pronounced than those on the Chain Cents. The reverse showcased an elegant wreath of elongated leaves reminiscent of laurel, the ancient symbol of victory. Within this wreath, there were also trefoil-like leaves, resembling cotton or maple leaves, and tiny round berries that didn't quite match traditional laurel berries. The exact plant depicted in the design remains uncertain, with the possibility that Rittenhouse may have had a composite in mind.
In addition to the design changes, reminders of the new nation's decimal coinage system were present on the coins. A small fraction "1/100" appeared below the bow, emphasizing the cent's value in relation to the dollar. Some varieties also displayed inscriptions on the edges, such as "ONE HUNDRED FOR A Dollar," along with vine and bars designs, adding a touch of ornateness to the coins.
The renowned copper cataloguer Dr. William H. Sheldon classified the Wreath cents into nine accessible varieties for collectors, while identifying four varieties as "Non-Collectible" (NC). These elusive NC varieties, scattered among early cent dates, were the holy grail for sharp-eyed copper specialists.
One particular rarity, labeled NC-5, became known as the "Strawberry leaf." While most varieties displayed a three-leaf laurel-like sprig above the date, NC-5 showcased a unique and well-designed sprig with what appeared to be strawberry leaves. Another rarity, NC-2, and NC-3, dubbed the "Strawberry Leaf" by pioneer copper collector Richard Winsor, remains a mystery in terms of its intended plant depiction.
Newly Listed
During the late 18th century, the Philadelphia Mint experienced an intriguing chapter in coin history. According to their records, a total of 63,353 Wreath cents were struck. Interestingly, many of these cents were saved by collectors, both for their curiosity and appeal to British collectors. Today, it is estimated that only 6% to 7% of the original mintage has survived, and most of these coins exist in relatively low grades.
Remarkably, there are around 40 surviving pieces in grades ranging from Extremely Fine-40 to Mint State-70. Among them, a particularly rare MS-70 example of Sheldon 5 is officially recognized by the esteemed Early American Copper Society (EAC). This unique coin was originally part of the William Cutler Atwater collection and was auctioned by the colorful B. Max Mehl in 1945. Notably, the coin displays exceptional centering and appears to have been struck on a polished planchet, suggesting it might have been created as a presentation piece. Similar intriguing specimens can be found in the collections of Dr. Sheldon and George Clapp.
For collectors, surface condition and color play a crucial role in determining higher grades for these historical coins. Many specialists adhere to the grading standards established by the EAC, a respected authority in the field.
While aspiring to assemble a collection of all varieties, excluding the NC's (presumably referring to non-collectible coins), is a reasonable goal, attempting to collect all varieties, including the NC's, would be practically impossible. Nevertheless, the discovery of previously unknown specimens in the past has turned seemingly non-collectible coins into rare and highly sought-after numismatic treasures.
Over the years, early large cents have received significant attention from collectors and researchers alike, more so than any other U.S. coin series from any era. The wealth of specialized literature on the subject is vast, and there are even dedicated clubs nurturing enthusiasts in this particular field. Key figures, such as Sylvester S. Crosby, J.N.T. Levick, Edouard Frossard, David Proskey, and Francis Doughty, made invaluable contributions to cataloguing these coins in the 19th and early 20th centuries. More recently, Dr. William H. Sheldon has left a lasting legacy in this domain.
The 1793-94 issues of early large cents, in particular, have been well-documented thanks to the efforts of these cataloguers and researchers. Today's collectors can gain a solid understanding of this intriguing field without necessarily delving too deeply into the extensive literature. Assembling a commendable collection is achievable for those with a passion for these historic coins.
Back in the summer of 1793, portraitist Joseph Wright assumed the role of acting engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. His task was to create new die punches for the cent. Tragically, Wright succumbed to yellow fever in September of the same year. However, before his untimely demise, he managed to complete his exquisite Liberty Cap design. This beautiful cent replaced the Wreath design and made its debut in the fall of 1793, leaving an indelible mark on the history of coinage.
Content: 100% copper
Weight: 13.5 grams
Diameter: 27 millimeters
Edge: There are 3 different possible edges:
1. Alternating vine and vertical bars
2. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with one leaf after DOLLAR
3. Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with two leaves after DOLLAR
