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

The Chain Reverse Cent of 1793 evoked intense criticism when it was released in March 1793. People complained that the chain suggested bondage, rather than unity, as was intended.

What's more, the image of Lady Liberty was ridiculed because of the wild look on her face and disheveled hair. One Boston newspaper wrote “Liberty herself appears to be in a fright.”

The idea of representing the concept of liberty by a young woman was inspired by the Libertas Americana medal, struck by the Paris Mint in 1783 to mark the American success in the Revolution. Her flowing hair symbolized America’s newly earned freedom.

Within weeks, the Mint replaced the chain with a wreath. This did not put an end to the disparaging remarks about Liberty’s appearance. The Mint responded by issuing the Liberty Cap Cent in the autumn of 1793, the third one cent design of the year.

During its short production run, a total of 63,353 Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse Large Cents were coined.

Flowing Hair, Wreath rev
Large Cent Obverse

Flowing Hair, Wreath Rev
Large Cent Reverse

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

There are no Mint Marks on the Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse Large Cent. All of them were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a Mint Mark until the 20th century. The coin photos at right were provided by courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

The 1793 Large Cent with Wreath Reverse is a rare coin and considered a highly desirable acquisition by collectors. Because of its long history of appeal, the likelihood of seeing strong price increases in the future is high. If you want to add one to your collection, you might be able to find some certified examples for sale on eBay:

1793 Large Cent Wreath Rev