@Dave99B Your ANACS chain is very nice! Strong date and nice βcirc camββ¦
Iβm an American history buff, and I agree that chains have a very distinct cachet about themβ¦ early federal coins are my primary interest, and I particularly like well circulated, problem free early federal coins most of all. They just have a history and tell a story, and I feel like they have a direct connection to our founders. Thatβs very cool for a history geek like me.
Iβve owned three of the other 1793 cents; both Wreath types, and the Liberty cap, but never a Chain.
That and the 1799 will probably still be on my bucket list to my graveβ¦
@Walkerguy21D said:
Iβve owned three of the other 1793 cents; both Wreath types, and the Liberty cap, but never a Chain.
That and the 1799 will probably still be on my bucket list to my graveβ¦
Same. The1799 has also been on my list for a long, long time. Iβd love to add one to my collection. Tough, tough, tough.
Dave
Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
Best I could swing, ANACS G6 but I thought it might be undergraded by one notch. Reverse is much stronger but I don't have a pic right here on hand. Maybe my favorite coin of all.
The artwork and original photograph are mine, the coin was not. I made this illustration for a couple of coin album orders.
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you. https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.
@Eddi ...maybe the "bottom of the ladder" in this thread, but at least you're ON THE LADDER! This is one of those dates that's been elusive for me. I'm definitely looking at lower price points and the individual coins were nowhere near the details of yours! When I was getting back into collecting (early 2000's) a dealer in Albuquerque offered me a raw Chain Cent that the only detail on the obverse was a wisp of Ms. Liberty's profile amid surface corrosion (no date) and the reverse was corroded, cleaned, scratched, and someone had started to drill a hole in the middle. There were 3 or 4 links in the chain visible, so you could definitely tell what it was... and it was STILL over $1k!
Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;
Rare, rare, rare and magical pieces of history. Copper is not in my wheelhouse, though I DO appreciate it. Too many other things that I am more interested in. Chains have really appreciated over the decades and are not obtainable by those (such as myself) who only make halfhearted or feeble attempts at purchasing them. if you want a Chain, you will have to go after it with conviction. There are too many other things that I would rather throw my money at first. So, for this reason, I will just have to admire these beautiful pictures. Thank you everyone for sharing.
Sometimes, itβs better to be LUCKY than good. π πΊπ
Above is an amazing S-1 Chain Cent (on PCGS CoinFacts), but it is not "The Coin".
Although you did not say it was, some might conclude it is, given that your post followed a post with a request for The Coin.
I've never seen a good color photo of The Coin.
Just a slab shot in a group from the Naftzger collection.
There is a great black and white photo of The Coin on page 179 of Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of Colonial and U.S. Coins.
Here's a pretty good roster: https://coinweek.com/1793-chain-cent-a-collectors-guide/
"The Coin" is known as an S-4.
The above coinweek article calls it an NC-1, but this is incorrect.
NC-1 has "widest LIBERTY", and does not have periods after LIBERTY and 1793.
Above is an amazing Chain Cent (on PCGS CoinFacts), but it is not "The Coin".
Although you did not say it was, some might conclude it is, given that your post followed a post with a request for The Coin.
I've never seen a good color photo of The Coin.
Just a slab shot in a group from the Naftzger collection.
There is a great black and white photo of The Coin in Breen's Encyclopedia.
You are correct, I was going from memory from a 1995(?) advertisement from Jay Parrino, who offered both of the superb Mickley Chain cents in his catalog. The one on the left is the one I posted, but the one on the right is βThe Coin β. I shall have double checked:
Thanks @yosclimber for the excellent review of these rarified pieces. I too have never seen THE COIN up close or in a good photo, merely the ones posted above. Still waitingβ¦
@Eddi ...maybe the "bottom of the ladder" in this thread, but at least you're ON THE LADDER! This is one of those dates that's been elusive for me. I'm definitely looking at lower price points and the individual coins were nowhere near the details of yours! When I was getting back into collecting (early 2000's) a dealer in Albuquerque offered me a raw Chain Cent that the only detail on the obverse was a wisp of Ms. Liberty's profile amid surface corrosion (no date) and the reverse was corroded, cleaned, scratched, and someone had started to drill a hole in the middle. There were 3 or 4 links in the chain visible, so you could definitely tell what it was... and it was STILL over $1k!
@Ikenefic , Thanks, Ike. Absolutely, I am happy to have it. I am amazed at how much values for Chain Cents have increased.
I paid $900 in 1986. That seemed like an awful of money to me back then, and a big chunk of my salary. I hope that today, almost 40 years later, I am still ahead.
Thanks @Catbert for pointing that out. Hereβs the current cert:
I played the regrade game. Didnβt work. Still AU53. I guess they donβt like the βdrift marksβ on the reverse, but IMHO still a nicer coin than any other AU Iβve seen, detail or color-wise.
I really think these are all βtemporaryβ holders, as the concept of a βfinal resting placeβ for coins doesnβt set well with me.
I will never be able to afford the real one so I purchased this.
1792 Chain Cent OS real large cent with silver center by daniel Carr. I hope no one gets pissed that I posted this.
@Morgan White said:
What is the estimate for total survivors combined?
PCGS Coin Facts gives the estimated survival number for each of the three varieties.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
@coinsarefun said:
I will never be able to afford the real one so I purchased this.
1792 Chain Cent OS real large cent with silver center by daniel Carr. I hope no one gets pissed that I posted this.
In my book Stef, you always have an immunity card. Love your tokens!
Seated Half Society member #38
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress, running like a water color in the rain...."
Damn!!! I just went back a checked! I've had this coin for years and never noticed this! Not only that, I've posted it a half dozen time on this forum and no one else has noticed it either. @jesbroken you are the first!!
So this thing is mislabeled. Unbelievable!! And I doubt ANACS will take it back, correct it and put it back in a soap bar slab!! π€¬ π‘ π€ π’ π I love these soap bar slabs!
Damn!!! I just went back a checked! I've had this coin for years and never noticed this! Not only that, I've posted it a half dozen time on this forum and no one else has noticed it either. @jesbroken you are the first!!
So this thing is mislabeled. Unbelievable!! And I doubt ANACS will take it back, correct it and put it back in a soap bar slab!! π€¬ π‘ π€ π’ π I love these soap bar slabs!
Now I'm even more confused. Any chance the holder with your 1st post was switched and showed your chain cent with the 1798 Cent? Now your holder shows the correct 1787 holder for chain cent.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Now I'm even more confused. Any chance the holder with your 1st post was switched and showed your chain cent with the 1798 Cent? Now your holder shows the correct 1787 holder for chain cent.
Jim
Jeeezzz Jim, I'm completely wrapped around the axle! I'm really sorry! You're not confused, it's me! I can see the labels but not the coins. I'm getting them mixed up!!
Tom
This is what I have:
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
Now I'm even more confused. Any chance the holder with your 1st post was switched and showed your chain cent with the 1798 Cent? Now your holder shows the correct 1787 holder for chain cent.
Jim
Jeeezzz Jim, I'm completely wrapped around the axle! I'm really sorry! You're not confused, it's me! I can see the labels but not the coins. I'm getting them mixed up!!
Tom
This is what I have:
Wow Tom, now youβre back on track! But you know that neither of your coins are 1793 Chains! Zack.
Wow Tom, now youβre back on track! But you know that neither of your coins are 1793 Chains! Zack.
Yes Zack, wrong coins wrong thread for me right from the start. What a mess! I stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I should just go back a delete it all! Sorry! π΅βπ« π π’
Tom
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
Comments
Itβs eventual temporary home:
Empty Nest Collection
That is splendid! π€€
My YouTube Channel
S-4, G-6, CACβ¦. Tobacco brown, decent planchetβ¦ Best I can muster!

@renomedphys yours is gorgeous! Beautiful colorβ¦.
AU55BN
π€€
My YouTube Channel
I also owned a lowly ANACS Fair 2, but I sold it. Chains are magical. πͺ
Dave
@Dave99B Your ANACS chain is very nice! Strong date and nice βcirc camββ¦
Iβm an American history buff, and I agree that chains have a very distinct cachet about themβ¦ early federal coins are my primary interest, and I particularly like well circulated, problem free early federal coins most of all. They just have a history and tell a story, and I feel like they have a direct connection to our founders. Thatβs very cool for a history geek like me.
Wow !
Those are sure beautiful.......
Iβve owned three of the other 1793 cents; both Wreath types, and the Liberty cap, but never a Chain.
That and the 1799 will probably still be on my bucket list to my graveβ¦
I wish I could have one
Same. The1799 has also been on my list for a long, long time. Iβd love to add one to my collection. Tough, tough, tough.
Dave
Does this count?.. Probably not.
Edited for some better pictures. π€£ π
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
There's something magical about a chain cent that looks this nice. Congrats!
Best I could swing, ANACS G6 but I thought it might be undergraded by one notch. Reverse is much stronger but I don't have a pic right here on hand. Maybe my favorite coin of all.
The artwork and original photograph are mine, the coin was not. I made this illustration for a couple of coin album orders.
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you.
https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.
OK. Great coins.
Now let's try this.
Post a picture of a Chain cent that you would LOVE to own or see in person.
They are out there!
Those au's are nice!
Someone please post a picture of THE COIN ππ»
Empty Nest Collection
Well, Somebody has to be at the bottom of the ladder......
My Chain Cent, bought in 1986 when I was 28.
Thanks, Everyone, for sharing...
@Eddi ...maybe the "bottom of the ladder" in this thread, but at least you're ON THE LADDER! This is one of those dates that's been elusive for me. I'm definitely looking at lower price points and the individual coins were nowhere near the details of yours! When I was getting back into collecting (early 2000's) a dealer in Albuquerque offered me a raw Chain Cent that the only detail on the obverse was a wisp of Ms. Liberty's profile amid surface corrosion (no date) and the reverse was corroded, cleaned, scratched, and someone had started to drill a hole in the middle. There were 3 or 4 links in the chain visible, so you could definitely tell what it was... and it was STILL over $1k!
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
Rare, rare, rare and magical pieces of history. Copper is not in my wheelhouse, though I DO appreciate it. Too many other things that I am more interested in. Chains have really appreciated over the decades and are not obtainable by those (such as myself) who only make halfhearted or feeble attempts at purchasing them. if you want a Chain, you will have to go after it with conviction. There are too many other things that I would rather throw my money at first. So, for this reason, I will just have to admire these beautiful pictures. Thank you everyone for sharing.
Sometimes, itβs better to be LUCKY than good. π πΊπ
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Above is an amazing S-1 Chain Cent (on PCGS CoinFacts), but it is not "The Coin".
Although you did not say it was, some might conclude it is, given that your post followed a post with a request for The Coin.
I've never seen a good color photo of The Coin.
Just a slab shot in a group from the Naftzger collection.
There is a great black and white photo of The Coin on page 179 of Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of Colonial and U.S. Coins.
from
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/half-cents/flowing-hair-large-cent/type-1-chain-cent-1793/656
Here's a pretty good roster:
https://coinweek.com/1793-chain-cent-a-collectors-guide/
"The Coin" is known as an S-4.
The above coinweek article calls it an NC-1, but this is incorrect.
NC-1 has "widest LIBERTY", and does not have periods after LIBERTY and 1793.
In a 2011 Forum post, @tradedollarnut said The Coin was in the Stellar Collection in Georgia.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/9402091/#Comment_9402091
You are correct, I was going from memory from a 1995(?) advertisement from Jay Parrino, who offered both of the superb Mickley Chain cents in his catalog. The one on the left is the one I posted, but the one on the right is βThe Coin β. I shall have double checked:
Here's the group slab photo I remembered.
The Coin is the AMERICA Mickley SP67BN at 4:00.
The AMERI. Mickley is the SP65BN at 8:00.
On the same countertop and slabs as the photos in your post!
From a 2025 post by @Inspired70:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/13860668/#Comment_13860668
Thanks @yosclimber for the excellent review of these rarified pieces. I too have never seen THE COIN up close or in a good photo, merely the ones posted above. Still waitingβ¦
Empty Nest Collection
I had to resort to AI for a picture of MY Chain cent!
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
If I have a chance to get mine out, you'll move up a rung!
@Ikenefic , Thanks, Ike. Absolutely, I am happy to have it. I am amazed at how much values for Chain Cents have increased.
I paid $900 in 1986. That seemed like an awful of money to me back then, and a big chunk of my salary. I hope that today, almost 40 years later, I am still ahead.
Cool thread. I owned a flowing hair ages ago, but never a chain.
The Chain Cent is one of my favorite pieces in my collection.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
I'm confused by the "temporary home" comment. Are you planning on cracking it out? I looked up the PCGS cert and it's shown as not found.
Whatever the status, it's a great coin!
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Thanks @Catbert for pointing that out. Hereβs the current cert:

I played the regrade game. Didnβt work. Still AU53. I guess they donβt like the βdrift marksβ on the reverse, but IMHO still a nicer coin than any other AU Iβve seen, detail or color-wise.
I really think these are all βtemporaryβ holders, as the concept of a βfinal resting placeβ for coins doesnβt set well with me.
Empty Nest Collection
Sold this S-4 back in 2021. Now in NGC plastic, Fine det., enviro. dam.
www.brunkauctions.com
I will never be able to afford the real one so I purchased this.
1792 Chain Cent OS real large cent with silver center by daniel Carr. I hope no one gets pissed that I posted this.
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
.
More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE
What is the estimate for total survivors combined?
PCGS Coin Facts gives the estimated survival number for each of the three varieties.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Wouldn't that have to be a 1787?
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
In my book Stef, you always have an immunity card. Love your tokens!
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
Wait a minute! What am I looking at here?...............hold on.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
...yeah... looks like a Fugio Cent. ...not a 1793
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
Damn!!! I just went back a checked! I've had this coin for years and never noticed this! Not only that, I've posted it a half dozen time on this forum and no one else has noticed it either. @jesbroken you are the first!!
So this thing is mislabeled. Unbelievable!! And I doubt ANACS will take it back, correct it and put it back in a soap bar slab!! π€¬ π‘ π€ π’ π I love these soap bar slabs!
Thank you Jim/ @jesbroken!!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
I should start a new threat........ "What's Wrong With This Picture?" π
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
Now I'm even more confused. Any chance the holder with your 1st post was switched and showed your chain cent with the 1798 Cent? Now your holder shows the correct 1787 holder for chain cent.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
A few of the 1793 cents I own or recently sold.
Jeeezzz Jim, I'm completely wrapped around the axle! I'm really sorry! You're not confused, it's me! I can see the labels but not the coins. I'm getting them mixed up!!
Tom
This is what I have:
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )
Wow Tom, now youβre back on track! But you know that neither of your coins are 1793 Chains! Zack.
Yes Zack, wrong coins wrong thread for me right from the start. What a mess! I stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I should just go back a delete it all! Sorry! π΅βπ« π π’
Tom
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! π€£ )