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The 1795 Large Cent with a lettered edge is one of the most significant and iconic coins in the history of American numismatics. It represents the earliest years of the United States Mint, a period when the country was still developing its identity as a new nation. The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only mint in operation at the time. The 1795 Large Cent, particularly the Lettered Edge variety, is notable for its historical importance and for being part of the very first series of coins issued by the United States government following the establishment of the Mint in 1792. The lettered edge, which reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” was a feature designed to prevent the clipping or shaving of the coin’s metal, a practice that was common in earlier times to defraud the minting system.
The design of the 1795 Large Cent is simple yet emblematic of the period’s aspirations for the new country. The obverse features a depiction of Liberty, which was a popular motif in early American coinage. The bust of Liberty faces left, wearing a flowing cap and hair. The design was created by artist Robert Scot, who was the chief engraver at the U.S. Mint. The inscription around the edge reads “LIBERTY,” and the year “1795” is placed below Liberty’s neck. The design exudes a sense of freedom and optimism, a reflection of the newly-formed United States and its hopes for the future. The reverse shows a wreath of olive branches encircling the words “ONE CENT,” with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed along the upper edge. This design represents unity and the peaceful ideals the country hoped to embody.
The 1795 Large Cent is known for its size, with a diameter of about 29 to 30 millimeters, which was larger than most coins produced in the years that followed. This size makes it a notable and collectible piece of American history. The minting process during the late 18th century was far from automated, and each coin was struck by hand, adding to the uniqueness of each piece. The 1795 coins were produced in relatively small numbers, and it is estimated that only a few hundred of these coins were made, making them quite rare today. The U.S. Mint continued to issue these coins with the lettered edge throughout 1795 before transitioning to the reeded edge variety, which is why these early lettered edge coins are especially sought after by collectors and numismatists.
The edge of the coin is one of its most distinguishing features. The lettered edge was a direct response to concerns about the practice of "clipping" coins, where people would shave off small amounts of precious metal from the edges of the coin and melt it down for reuse. By engraving the edge with a distinctive inscription, the U.S. Mint sought to prevent this practice and ensure that each coin retained its full weight and value. The inscription on the edge reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and this feature is a rare and important aspect of the 1795 coinage. As a result, the lettered edge is highly collectible and adds to the value and desirability of the coin among collectors.
The minting of the 1795 Large Cent was part of the Mint’s first major coinage program, which aimed to establish a stable and uniform currency for the fledgling United States. The U.S. Mint was established by the Coinage Act of 1792, and the first official coinage began in 1793. However, the production of large cents did not begin in earnest until 1795, when these coins were struck in response to the growing need for smaller denominations in the marketplace. The coins were made from copper, and the large cent became one of the primary denominations used in daily commerce. The mintage of the 1795 Large Cent was relatively low, with an estimated 13.5 million coins being produced that year. Although this may seem like a substantial number, the scarcity of well-preserved specimens makes these coins particularly valuable today.
The coin in question, the 1795 Large Cent with the lettered edge and the S-75 variety, is one of the more significant examples from this early series of coins. The S-75 designation refers to the specific die pairing used in the production of the coin, which was identified in the "Early American Cents" catalog by numismatist Richard Snow. The S-75 variety is part of a small group of coins known for their distinctive features, such as the positioning of the date and Liberty’s bust. The reverse features a wreath with olive branches, which symbolized peace, a theme that resonated strongly with the post-Revolutionary United States.
The condition of the coin is of paramount importance in determining its value. This particular 1795 Large Cent is graded as "Good" by the grading service, which means that it shows significant wear and may have some signs of handling. The coin displays clear details, but there are areas of the design where the features are somewhat worn or smoothed due to circulation. Despite the wear, the coin still retains much of its character and is a valuable piece due to its age, rarity, and historical significance. The coin has been graded as “Good” due to its overall wear, with some small abrasions and marks visible. It is also worth noting that this coin has experienced some pitting, which is not uncommon in coins of this age.
The 1795 Large Cent is a highly sought-after coin, particularly because of its historical significance in the context of early American coinage. As the first large cent to be minted by the United States Mint, it holds a special place in the history of American currency. Coins from this period are considered essential pieces for serious collectors, especially those who focus on early U.S. coinage or the history of the U.S. Mint. The lettered edge variety of the 1795 Large Cent is particularly desirable because it marks a time of transition for the Mint and highlights the challenges and innovations faced by the U.S. government in establishing a reliable currency system.
In conclusion, the 1795 Large Cent with a lettered edge represents not only a significant piece of American numismatic history but also a milestone in the development of the U.S. Mint. Its unique design, coupled with its rarity and historical importance, makes it a cherished coin among collectors and investors alike. The lettered edge and distinctive features of the S-75 variety set it apart from other coins of the era, and its condition, while showing signs of wear, still adds to its charm and collectibility. As one of the first coins produced by the United States Mint, the 1795 Large Cent is a valuable reminder of the nation’s early efforts to establish its own currency system and identity.