The Flowing Hair Large Cent is a historic coin issued by the United States Mint from 1793 to 1796. It represents the first official one-cent coin minted by the United States government and holds significant importance in American numismatic history.
Design: The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, facing to the right. The word "Liberty" is inscribed above her head, and the date of mintage appears below. The reverse (back) typically depicts a wreath encircling the denomination "One Cent" or "1/100."
Designer: The design of the Flowing Hair Large Cent is attributed to Henry Voigt, the first Chief Coiner of the United States Mint. Voigt's design reflects the neoclassical style popular in the late 18th century, with its emphasis on classical motifs and elegant proportions.
Metal Composition: The Flowing Hair Large Cent was initially struck in pure copper, with a weight of approximately 13.48 grams and a diameter of about 29 millimeters.
Mintage: The mintage numbers for the Flowing Hair Large Cent varied from year to year, with production levels influenced by factors such as demand for small denomination coins, technological limitations, and availability of copper for coinage.
Historical Context: The issuance of the Flowing Hair Large Cent was part of the United States' efforts to establish a stable and recognizable currency system following the American Revolution.
Collector's Value: Due to their age, historical significance, and limited mintage numbers, Flowing Hair Large Cents are highly sought after by coin collectors and numismatists.
Coins in good condition, particularly those with sharp details and attractive patina, can command high prices on the numismatic market.
Legacy: The Flowing Hair Large Cent represents an important chapter in American numismatic history as the first official one-cent coin minted by the United States government. It reflects the ideals and aspirations of the young nation, as well as the technological and artistic achievements of its time.