The 1794 Flowing Hair Large Cent represents the second year of regular‑issue U.S. cent coinage and remains one of the most evocative designs of the early Mint. The Sheldon‑28 variety is distinguished by its obverse die with Liberty’s flowing hair extending in long, graceful locks and a reverse wreath of delicate proportion, encircling the denomination ONE CENT. This month’s full‑color rendering captures the coin in its certified state of preservation, PCGS MS64RB with CAC Green approval, a combination that places it among the most desirable survivors of its die marriage.

The obverse portrait of Liberty is modeled with youthful vitality, her hair cascading in rhythmic strands that symbolize freedom and natural grace. The inscriptions LIBERTY and the date 1794 are bold and evenly struck, while the denticles frame the design with architectural precision. On the reverse, the wreath is sharply defined, its leaves and berries rendered with botanical clarity, surrounding the denomination and the fraction 1/100 below. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs around the periphery, its lettering crisp and balanced.

The Red‑Brown designation is especially significant for a coin of this age. Traces of original mint red still glow in protected areas of the devices, contrasting with the mellow chocolate and auburn tones that dominate the fields. This interplay of color is faithfully captured in the rendering, emphasizing both the coin’s originality and its remarkable state of preservation. Subtle shifts in hue across the surfaces remind the viewer that early copper is as much about texture and patina as it is about design.

The CAC Green sticker adds another layer of distinction, confirming that this cent is not only accurately graded but also among the strongest examples within its assigned grade. Collectors recognize CAC approval as a mark of quality and consistency, and its presence here underscores the coin’s premium status. For the Perkins Collection, it affirms a commitment to acquiring only the finest representatives of each type and variety.

As a condition rarity, this S‑28 ranks among the most desirable examples available to collectors. The Perkins Collection has long been noted for its emphasis on quality and eye appeal, and this cent exemplifies both. Its combination of technical grade, visual charm, and historical importance makes it a trophy piece within the early copper series. Auction records confirm that coins of this caliber command spirited bidding, reflecting the enduring demand for high‑grade Flowing Hair cents.

This rendering underscores the artistry of the early Mint engravers, who sought to embody the ideals of liberty and unity in a medium barely removed from hand‑craft. It also affirms the role of numismatic art in preserving not just the image of a coin, but the aura of its survival. By capturing the subtle red glints, the flowing hair, and the wreath’s symmetry, the drawing transforms a 231‑year‑old artifact into a living study of America’s first coppers.

For the Print of the Month archive, the 1794 Flowing Hair Large Cent, S‑28, stands as both a masterpiece of early U.S. coinage and a testament to the discerning eye of James Perkins. Its preservation in MS64RB with CAC Green approval elevates it beyond rarity into the realm of numismatic legend, where artistry, history, and condition converge.