The 1793 Large Cent (1st year issue)
The Large Cent appeared in 1793, at nearly the same time as the Half Cent. Together, these coppers were the first coins released by the U.S. into general circulation.
The initial type, Flowing Hair Chain Cent reverse, was not well received by the public, as typified by the comments of a Boston newspaper in March, 1793 which stated, "The American cents.... do not answer our expectations. The chain on the reverse is but a bad omen for Liberty, and Liberty herself appears to be in a fright."
These complains led to the premature replacement of the "Bondage" chain with a wreath within a matter of weeks (making this large cent very rare!) Little did the Mint know that people would still whine about the Liberty.
Fun fact: $1 worth of 1795 large pennies weighs about 3 pounds!
The initial type, Flowing Hair Chain Cent reverse, was not well received by the public, as typified by the comments of a Boston newspaper in March, 1793 which stated, "The American cents.... do not answer our expectations. The chain on the reverse is but a bad omen for Liberty, and Liberty herself appears to be in a fright."
These complains led to the premature replacement of the "Bondage" chain with a wreath within a matter of weeks (making this large cent very rare!) Little did the Mint know that people would still whine about the Liberty.
Fun fact: $1 worth of 1795 large pennies weighs about 3 pounds!
