1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Chain Reverse. S-1. Rarity-4. AMERI. VF-20 BN (PCGS).An endearing VF Chain cent, the reverse of this piece is the sharper of the two sides, typical of the type, although on the obverse we note bold letters in the word LIBERTY, a full date, and a well outlined portrait that includes impressive definition to Libertys facial features and some of the hair strands. It is warmly and evenly toned in a blend of olive-copper and rose-brown. Both sides are microscopically rough, yet generally free of sizable blemishes. A dull mark in the lower left obverse field and a few tiny planchet pits around the reverse periphery are noted solely for accuracy. Overall a very appealing high-quality mid-grade example of this challenging type. <p>The first coins of the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia were the large cents and half cents of 1793, with the March 1 coinage of cents preceding the production of half cents by several months. In the first year there were three distinct styles of large cents struck -- Chain, Flowing Hair, and Liberty Cap -- with numerous varieties within each type. Sheldon-1, as here, is the only variety of the issue with the AMERI. abbreviation in the reverse legend, its mintage believed to comprise approximately 7,000 of the 11,178 coins delivered between February 27 and March 1. A scarce die marriage with only 200 or so examples believed extant in all grades, the 1793 S-1 cent enjoys strong collector demand at all levels of preservation. The present example is sure to see spirited bidding and would be a great way to begin a large cent collection or an advanced early U.S. type set.<p><p><p>
