Flowing Hair Chain Rev Large Cent (1793)
Mint Mark Information

The first coins that came off the Philadelphia Mint presses were the Flowing Hair Chain Cent Reverse cents of 1793. These were the first United States coins bound for circulation.

The reverse featured a chain comprised of 15 links, to symbolize strong unity between the 15 states of the union. However, much of the public thought the chain to be suggestive of bondage, a bad omen for a new republic founded on the concept of liberty.

Within weeks, the chain was replaced by a wreath. In all 36,103 of the Chain cents were produced.

Flowing Hair, Chain Rev
Large Cent Obverse

Flowing Hair, Chain Rev
Large Cent Reverse

The following table lists the Mint Marks you might find on Flowing Hair Chain Reverse Large Cent:

There are no Mint Marks on the Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse Large Cent. This is true of all early US coppers (half cent and large cents issued from 1793 to 1857). All of them came from the Philadelphia Mint. Please note the coin photos provided by courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries.

The 1793 Large Cent with Chain Reverse is a rare key date and held in high esteem among collectors of all stripes. If you're lucky enough to find on one for sale on eBay (or anywhere else for that matter), you should feel confident of its continued popularity for generations to come. Specimens certified by PCGS, NGC, ICG, or ANACS inspire more confidence in buyers.

1793 Large Cent Chain Rev