1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Wreath Reverse. S-11C. Rarity-3-. Lettered Edge. EF-40 (PCGS). This is a handsome, high grade circulated example of a perennially popular large cent design type. Both sides are warmly toned in copper-brown, with glints of light olive-copper evident in isolated areas. The strike is well centered and otherwise sharp for the assigned grade, the reverse border devoid of beading from 6:30 to 11 oclock. The surface texture is satiny and generally hard, with a few minor planchet flaws concentrated in the lower left obverse field. A few wispy handling marks in the right obverse field and on the reverse around the word STATES are noted for accuracy, although the appearance is pleasingly smooth overall for a lightly circulated early copper. Breen Die State III.<p>Copper for this variety was supplied by Greenleaf & Watson, and the planchets are apt to show laminations or other natural flaws, as evident on the obverse of the present example. Production of Sheldon-11C was intermingled with that of S-11B (Lettered Edge, Double Leaf). The reason the Mint abandoned the vine and bars edge device in favor of a lettered edge is unknown, especially since its expression ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR is another statement of the denomination, which is already given twice as part of the reverse design of the Wreath cent (ONE CENT and 1/100).<p>From the first year of the regular issue U.S. large cent series, and a one year design type, all 1793 Wreath cents are eagerly sought. In original, attractive and problem free PCGS-certified Extremely Fine preservation, this piece is particularly desirable for type or variety purposes. From our sale of the William L. Buxton Collection, August 2021 ANA Auction, lot 4006.
