Rare Flowing Hair Large Cent – Check Its Value Now

Rare Flowing Hair Large Cent – The Flowing Hair Large Cent, minted from 1793 to 1796, is a cornerstone of early American coinage. Featuring Lady Liberty with flowing locks on the obverse and a wreath or chain design on the reverse, these coins represent the birth of U.S. currency.

While many collectors are drawn to their historical significance and artistic beauty, certain Flowing Hair Large Cents have become exceptionally rare and valuable due to factors like low mintages, unique varieties, and extraordinary condition.

If you’re lucky enough to own one of these coins—or even suspect you might—it’s time to check its value. Below, we’ll explore seven of the rarest and most sought-after Flowing Hair Large Cents and why they’re worth so much money.

The 7 Rarest Flowing Hair Large Cents

1. 1793 Chain Cent: “AMERI” Variety

• Year & Mintmark: 1793 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: This is the very first type of U.S. cent ever minted, featuring the words “AMERI” instead of “AMERICA.” Only about 63,000 were produced, and far fewer survive today.
• Recent Sale Price: $500,000+ (MS-65 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: The “AMERI” variety was quickly replaced after public outcry over the chain design, which some viewed as symbolic of slavery.

Also Read: How Much Is the Liberty Head $2.5 Coin Worth Today?

2. 1793 Wreath Cent: Strawberry Leaf Variety

• Year & Mintmark: 1793 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: The Strawberry Leaf variety features a mysterious leaf-like emblem below Liberty’s bust. Fewer than 10 examples are known to exist.
• Recent Sale Price: $862,500 (VF-30 grade in 2021).
• Interesting Fact: The origin and purpose of the strawberry leaf remain a mystery, fueling speculation and intrigue among collectors.

3. 1794 Starred Reverse Cent

• Year & Mintmark: 1794 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: This variety features 94 tiny stars around the edge of the reverse, likely added during a die experiment. Only a handful of examples are known.
• Recent Sale Price: $600,000 (AU-50 grade in 2022).
• Interesting Fact: The Starred Reverse Cent is a testament to the trial-and-error process of early U.S. minting.

4. 1795 Reeded Edge Cent

• Year & Mintmark: 1795 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Most 1795 cents feature a plain edge, but a small number were struck with a reeded edge, making them highly unusual.
• Recent Sale Price: $250,000 (EF-45 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: The reeded edge was likely an experimental feature, though it was never adopted for regular production.

5. 1796 Liberty Cap Cent: High-Grade Example

• Year & Mintmark: 1796 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: As the final year of the Flowing Hair series, the 1796 Liberty Cap Cent is already scarce. High-grade examples are exceptionally rare.
• Recent Sale Price: $100,000+ (MS-64 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: The Liberty Cap design marked a transition to more refined imagery, setting the stage for future coinage.

6. 1794 Head of 1795 Variety

• Year & Mintmark: 1794 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: This variety combines the date of 1794 with the updated Liberty portrait introduced in 1795. Very few examples exist.
• Recent Sale Price: $400,000 (AU-55 grade in 2022).
• Interesting Fact: The Head of 1795 variety reflects the evolving artistic standards of the U.S. Mint during its formative years.

7. 1795 Jefferson Head Cent

• Year & Mintmark: 1795 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: The Jefferson Head Cent is believed to be a private restrike created outside the U.S. Mint. Only a dozen or so are known to exist.
• Recent Sale Price: $350,000 (VF-30 grade in 2021).
• Interesting Fact: The origins of this coin remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its allure for collectors.

Also Read: Rare Trade Dollar Coins Collectors Are Paying Big For

What Makes These Flowing Hair Large Cents So Valuable?

Several key factors contribute to the desirability and value of these coins:

Rarity

Low mintages, unique varieties, and experimental designs make certain issues nearly impossible to acquire. Coins like the Strawberry Leaf or Starred Reverse Cent are true rarities.

Condition

High-grade examples are exponentially more valuable than circulated coins. Grading services like PCGS and NGC play a critical role in determining a coin’s worth based on preservation.

Historical Significance

As some of the earliest U.S. coins ever minted, these large cents symbolize the birth of American currency and the nation’s struggle to establish itself economically.

Artistic Beauty

The intricate designs of the Flowing Hair Large Cent capture the neoclassical style of the late 18th century, appealing to both collectors and art enthusiasts.