1793 Wreath 1C Vine and Bars Edge Sheldon 8 Flowing Hair Large Cent PCGS MS62BN

A landmark early-American rarity from the Ellsworth Collection, this 1793 Wreath Cent (Flowing Hair type) represents the second large cent design of the first year of U.S. Mint copper coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the celebrated Vine and Bars Edge variety (Sheldon-8) is avidly pursued for its distinctive edge device and its pivotal place in the birth of federal coinage. Graded PCGS MS62BN and accompanied by pedigree, this is a premium-quality example that stands out decisively within the grade. Grader notes describe it as “Superb GEM 62 / Better,” “absolutely defect free,” with a “needle sharp strike” and “smooth surfaces,” further emphasizing its exceptional eye appeal and technical merit versus typical MS62–MS63 survivors. The coin is characterized as a “PQ++” specimen and noted as the nicest coin in the session for its grade—an important consideration for collectors who focus on true quality rather than label alone. Color and eye appeal are outstanding and wholly consistent with an elite Brown designation. The surfaces display a dominant medium brown to warm chestnut complexion with broad steel-gray undertones. On the obverse, soft golden-bronze highlights play across the portrait and lettering, with subtle rose-copper warmth along the lower fields and rim. The reverse is chiefly olive-brown and gray-brown, accented by a gentle bronze-gold sheen on the wreath, bow, and peripheral legends. The strike is crisp and confident, bringing strong definition to the central motifs and legends—an especially desirable trait for 1793 copper where weakness is often encountered. Key attributes Date/Type: 1793 Wreath Cent, Flowing Hair Large Cent Variety: Sheldon-8, Vine and Bars Edge Mint: Philadelphia Certification: PCGS MS62BN Cert #: 35082875 Pedigree: From the Ellsworth Collection Population (PCGS): 3 in MS62BN; 3 higher For the collector building a serious 1793 type set, a Sheldon variety set, or a high-end early copper cabinet, this coin offers a rare combination: important first-year historical status, a coveted edge variety, and genuinely exceptional quality for the assigned grade.