Dubbed the ‘Chain Cent,’ the large copper cent featured Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, whose untied hair symbolized America’s newfound freedom. In 1793, the first federal issue intended for circulation was released. The depiction of an allegorical figure representing an American ideal on a coin was much more pleasing to the masses than a sitting president, which was deemed too monarchical by President Washington.

The legislation called for the obverse (front of the coin) of coins to be inscribed with the word ‘Liberty,’ along with her imagery and the date. The Coinage Act of 1792 established national coinage and denominations, along with the United States Mint in Philadelphia. Under the Articles of Confederation, it was the responsibility of states to mint their own coins. The 1793 Chain Cent - Liberty is Shown With Flowing Hair (PCGS). Liberty became an allegorical representation of the early American patriots, and served as a rivalry to Britannia, the national personification of Great Britain. When precursors to revolution initiated in the early 1770s, Liberty’s personification became growingly apparent in the colonies. The imagery of Liberty has existed for millennia on coins, dating back to coins of the late Roman Republic, in which the Roman goddess Libertas was portrayed on countless government issues. Although its portrayals have adopted numerous changes over the centuries, the depiction still remains a testament to the ideals of America’s foundings freedom, opportunity, equality, and of course, liberty.

Since the beginnings of a young nation, the personification of Liberty has played a prominent role on American coinage.

Us liberty coins history