U.S. Mint coin reference

1793 Chain Cent

The Chain cent is the first regular-issue U.S. cent and is a major early copper type.

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Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1793

Country: United States

Denomination: One cent

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: Copper

Silver fineness: None

Silver weight: 0.00 oz ASW

Weight: 13.48 g

Diameter: 26-27 mm

Thickness: Approx. 2.0-2.4 mm

Edge: Plain

Designer: Henry Voigt

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty facing right with loose, windblown hair.

Chain Cent history

The 1793 Chain cent was the first regular one-cent coin struck by the United States Mint for circulation. Designed by Henry Voigt, it showed Liberty on the obverse and a chain of linked rings on the reverse to symbolize the union of the states. The design drew criticism, particularly the chain motif and Liberty portrait, so it lasted only a short time. Later in 1793 the Mint replaced it with the Wreath cent, making the Chain cent one of the briefest early federal coin types.