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Information About

Silver Center Cent





ORIGINS


During the early years of the American republic, there was a general consensus that the intrinsic would be large and unwieldy; the initial coinage act specified a cent consisting of a whopping 264 Grains of pure copper.

, slightly smaller than that of a modern Quarter , with a small silver "plug" inserted in a center hole during the striking process. Several such coins were produced as test pieces, with about a dozen known today.

Ultimately, the additional labor required for these bimetallic coins proved unsuitable for mass production, and the large cent that was produced for circulation starting in 1793 consisted of 208 grains of 100% copper.


OBVERSE DESIGN

The Obverse of the silver center cent features a Liberty head with flowing hair. The date appears below the portrait, and the words "LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUST." are inscribed in a circular pattern around the central devices.


REVERSE DESIGN

The Reverse design consists of a Wreath with the words "ONE CENT" in the center, and the fraction "1/100" below. Surrounding the wreath, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" is inscribed.


REFERENCES