Numismatics enthusiasts and professionals are willing to pay large sums of money to have one of these coins in their collections The first issues of the American penny have become numismatic treasures that represent the monetary history of the United States PCGS Issued by the Philadelphia Mint in 1793, the ‘Flowing Hair Wreath Cents’ series represents one of the first official coinages of the United States. Its rarity, condition and design details have made it one of the most sought-after coins by collectors, with examples fetching over $650,000 at auction.
Origin and historical context of the ‘Flowing Hair Wreath Cents’ coins
The old Flowing Hair Wreath Cent from 1793 marked a milestone by reflecting a new national symbolism, with an image that sought to represent the freedom and independence of the young country. The main design showed the head of Liberty with her hair loose, an aspect that differed from other official portraits due to its natural style. Surrounding it, the reverse features a wreath composed of leaves and berries, which gave rise to its name ‘Wreath’.
This composition was the result of a process of artistic experimentation within the Mint, in which different engravers and craftsmen participated, although there is no definitive documentation on the exact authorship. The wreaths depicted have been the subject of debate for over a century. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the design is believed to have been inspired by a sketch provided by David Rittenhouse, the first director of the Mint. The leaves have been interpreted as a possible combination of clover, cotton, and laurel, symbols of victory and peace, which would have had strong patriotic significance after the independence of the United States.
How to identify an authentic Flowing Hair Wreath Cent coin
Flowing Hair Wreath coins have notable differences from other issues of the time. Among their distinctive features are:
- Year: 1793.
- Mint: Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
- Designer: attributed to Henry Voight, according to PCGS.
- Diameter: 27.00 millimetres.
- Weight: 13.48 grams.
- Mintage: 63,353 units.
- Composition: copper.
- Obverse: the figure of Liberty is shown looking to the right, with her hair loose and in high relief, which gives the portrait a three-dimensional appearance. Below the figure, the date of minting “1793” is accompanied by a small branch with leaves, an element that varies slightly between the different dies used.
- Reverse: shows a circular crown formed by two intertwined branches joined at the bottom by a ribbon. Inside the crown is the inscription “ONE CENT”, while around it reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. At the bottom is the fraction “1/100”, which represented its value in the monetary system of the time.
The texture of the edge and the finish of the engraving are essential characteristics for identifying original specimens. The rolling process was carried out using copper scrap, which resulted in variations in the colour and surface of the specimens. The production of this series faced numerous technical challenges. The dies, made by hand, tended to crack easily due to the incomplete hardening of the metal. As a result, many of the pieces have visible cracks or deformations, elements that today allow us to identify the different stages of minting.
How much is the 1793 penny worth
The combination of rarity, minting quality and historical relevance has placed Flowing Hair Wreath Cents among the most valuable coins of the 18th century. The best-preserved examples can fetch prices close to US$650,000, according to the PCGS price guide, especially when certified by specialised entities. Sales records show a coin graded MS69BN, due to its colour, which set a record price of US$558,125 after an auction organised by Stacks Bowers. The Flowing Hair Wreath coins represent a fundamental transition in the development of the US national currency. Their production reflected the first attempts to establish a visual identity of their own, distinct from European models, while consolidating the technical capabilities of the Mint.
