1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Chain Reverse. S-3. Rarity-3-. AMERICA, Without Periods. EF Details--Rim Damage (NGC).This is an appealing EF example of a popular and historic one-year design type from the earliest days of U.S. Mint coinage. Both sides are warmly and originally toned in attractive copper brown patina that provides strong visual appeal. The amount of remaining detail is significant for a type that is typically offered well worn. In fact, both sides are sharply defined over all features with the exception of the high points of Libertys portrait in the center of the obverse, where much of the rub that defines the EF grade is concentrated. A bit rough in isolated areas on the reverse, yet quite smooth overall, the only truly significant blemishes are several rim bruises at 6 and 10 oclock on the obverse that explain the NGC qualifier. There is a lot of "coin" here for the assigned grade, and we suspect that this handsome and original piece will have little difficulty finding its way into a high grade type set. The Chain cent of 1793 is the first mass-produced issue that the United States Mint achieved within its own facility and using its own machinery. It is also the first cent struck to the weight standard of 13.48 grams as stipulated by the Act of January 14, 1793. (The original weight standard of 17.11 grams was deemed unacceptable before production began.) The design -- a one year type -- is credited to Henry Voigt, who completed the dies in February of that year. Survivors from a mintage of just 36,103 pieces are rare relative to the demand that they enjoy in todays market, especially in the finer circulated and Mint State grades.
