CVC & Collectables presents the 1795 Flowing Hair Large Cent, attributed to the Sheldon-76b variety, certified by NGC as VF Details with a note of environmental damage. Despite its imperfections, this coin is a remarkable survivor from the earliest years of the U.S. Mint, representing both the artistry and challenges of early American copper coinage. Coin Highlights Issuer: United States of America Date: 1795 Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark) Denomination: One Cent (1¢) Variety: Sheldon-76b (Reverse with “Plain Edge” Lettering) Composition: Pure copper (≈100%) Weight: ~13.48 g (varies due to planchet irregularities) Diameter: ~27–29 mm Grade: NGC VF Details – Environmental Damage Obverse Design: Liberty with long flowing hair, facing right, LIBERTY above, date below. Reverse Design: Wreath encircling ONE CENT, legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. Edge: Lettered ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR Historical Significance The Flowing Hair Large Cent series (1793–1796) marked the earliest era of U.S. coinage, produced entirely on hand-operated presses with irregular copper planchets. The 1795 issue, designed by Robert Scot, continued the long hair Liberty portrait introduced in 1794, just before transitioning to the Draped Bust design in 1796. Each variety, such as Sheldon-76b, has been extensively studied by early copper specialists, making these coins not just monetary artifacts but also subjects of numismatic scholarship. Variety (S-76b) Sheldon-76b is one of the recognized die marriages for the 1795 cent. It is identifiable by specific reverse die characteristics, particularly the wreath style and edge lettering. Collectors of early coppers actively seek out Sheldon varieties, and the S-76b is a well-collected type in the Flowing Hair series. Collectibility VF Details coins retain significant design detail, including strong Liberty hair strands and wreath definition, though environmental exposure has impacted the surfaces. The environmental damage is typical for early large cents, which often spent decades in the ground or exposed to harsh conditions. Even with its detail grade caveat, this coin remains highly collectible due to its age, rarity, and status as an early U.S. federal issue. A strong addition for Early American Copper (EAC) collectors, Sheldon variety specialists, or anyone seeking a genuine 18th-century U.S. cent.
