There are uncommon cash after which there are ultra-rare cash. The 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars is a landmark coin, which is nearly inconceivable to seek out in excessive grades right now. The survival estimate stands at solely 8 for grades 65 or higher. It’s nonetheless an especially hard-to-find rarity in grades 60 or higher with solely 40 survivors.
What makes this massive copper cent probably the most fascinating specimens for astute collectors of early American cash?
Massive cent cash had been first struck in copper in 1793 on the Philadelphia Mint. The primary model identified right now because the Chain Reverse was criticized extensively with newspaper articles decrying that the chain design made it seem as if “Liberty was in chains.”
Swiftly, Mint Director David Rittenhouse ordered a brand new design for the big cent and the Wreath Reverse model was minted later that 12 months. The 1793 1C Flowing Hair Wreath coin represented a considerable step up in each design artistry and engraving execution from its predecessor: the Chain Reverse.
The coin’s obverse options Liberty with voluminous hair flowing again as she gazes steadily upward. The reverse options an intricate and enticing wreath, with berries depicted on lengthy strands, a few of which intertwine delicately with the branches. The lengthy leaves are believed to be the laurel species (Laurus nobilis) which was native to historic Greece and used to crown the winners of sporting occasions. Numismatic historians consider this depiction of the laurel wreath might have been featured on this coin as an emblem of America’s hard-fought freedom received by means of the Revolutionary Warfare.
Who designed this hard-to-find magnificence? Whereas there isn’t any absolute proof and varied candidates have been put ahead all through historical past, right now it’s believed that Henry Voight designed this coin. Voight was a watch maker and machinist who notably repaired clocks and watches for Thomas Jefferson. He was appointed as Chief Coiner on the Philadelphia Mint in January 1793.
Nonetheless, just some months after the Wreath design was launched, the Mint moved to but a 3rd design for the 1793 giant cent, generally known as the Liberty Cap fashion. Liberty Cap fashion cents had been minted from 1793 till 1796.
So, the 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Cent Vine and Bars design was produced just one 12 months in American historical past. When a 1793 Wreath cent surfaces on the market, it’s often a short-lived occasion as this coin instructions intense curiosity and desirability within the numismatics neighborhood.
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