Flowing Hair Design Early American Coinage - 1793 Wreath Cent & 1795 Half Dime

Well I'm pretty excited to plug these holes - though the hole in the half dime is unplugged (hahaha). I made a deal on a rough 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Large Cent in a PCGS slab with Environmental Damage (VG Details - 63350 minted, PCGS survivorship estimate 2500) and a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime holed, also in a PCGS slab (VG Details) and I'm very happy with same (78660 minted, PCGS survivorship estimate 1750) . Even in this condition it was over $2300 for both (my bonus had good timing). I love the Capped Bust and Liberty Cap designs too, but the Flowing Hair marks our earliest American coinage, and I find some fascination in that.

From PCGS:
Ron Guth: The Flowing Hair large cent type includes several interesting and completely different subtypes. First among them is the Chain cent, issued in 1793, and one of the first coins ever struck at the U.S. mint. This type features a head of Liberty with unkempt hair and an almost frightened look. The reverse displays a chain or fifteen links, apparently symbolizing the unity of the States, but confused by some as a reference to bondage and slavery. The Chain cent was issued only in 1793 and the mintage is low, resulting in high demand and high prices.

The second design of 1793 is the Wreath cent, a more sophisticated and refined design. This sub-type was replaced late in the year by the Liberty Cap design, which matched more closely the design on the half cent. One of the Wreath cent varieties is the extremely rare "Strawberry Leaf" version, with a cluster of leaves beneath liberty's bust that is completely unlike the sprig that appears on all other Wreath Cents. Although the "Strawberry Leaf" name has stuck, some experts argue that they are cotton leaves or some other, unknown plant.

The Liberty Cap design fared a little better than the Chain and Wreath cents, lasting from 1793 to 1796. The 1794 Starred Reverse is a unique variety that features tiny star interspersed among the denticles on the reverse. The "Jefferson Head" varieties of 1795 were made outside of the U.S. Mint, presumably in a bid for a private coining contract. In 1795, the weight of the planchets for half cents and large cents was reduced, and edge lettering was no longer applied to either denomination. As a result, 1795 large cents are know with both lettered and plain edges, as well as an unusual reeded edge (extremely rare).

In 1796, the Draped Bust type replaced the Liberty Cap design, albeit after some of the latter had been struck. The Flowing Hair half dime was only struck in 1794 & 1795, 1794 being the rarer coin with only 7756 minted.

What's your favorite US coin design? It's hard for me to choose, I love the Standing Liberty Quarters, the Capped Bust Half Dollars, the new Washington quarters and so many more - sometimes it just depends on the time of day for me.

 

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Congratulations. Those are tough coins to acquire.

 

Been on the fence at 1395 but looking better now

 

I would go for it for $1395 I think - sure it's ex mounted, but look at the extra fine details! Wowzers! That is sharp. (Of course I'd see if I could negotiate a hundred bucks or more off, lol) By way of comparison, prior to negotiating the package deal with the 1793 large cent, my sad holed VG details example of the 1795 half dime was for sale at $665. The seller was willing to give me about $200 off the asking for both coins in my case. I started at $350 off as my negotiating position.

 

Have bought a few coins over the years from them ( empire coins ) out of Phoenix and they don’t dicker. They’ve had this coin for better than a year and just dropped the price by a 100$. Be a good match for my nice 1795 half with the date filed of in fine condition bought for 450$

 

Fair enough, you know the seller and they have a good reputation, I respect that - and dang, congrats on the deal on that 1795 half!

 

The half was probably 10+ years ago

 

Very nice! Amazing to think of the age and whose pockets. Congrats!