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 Replies: 6 / Views: 1,485 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
It has been a long standing belief that one variety of the 1793 Flowing Hair large cent has what resembles a strawberry on the obverse below the bust of Liberty. I would like to propose a new theory as to the element on one of our first coins. First, a look back to the basis of our founding. Nearly all of the secretive meetings of a political nature were conducted in taverns. Many of the founders made wine, brewed beer and distilled whiskey. The songs we all know, including the National Anthem are based on British drinking song. Wine, corn and tobacco are used in Masonic ritual. With these but a few examples I offer the following as to what I believe was to be represented on the cent.  Upon looking closely, it resembles grape leaves and not the small, more rounded strawberry leaf. Again, just my thoughts on a debatable subject. ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
If I recall, the EAC journal, Pennywise recently had an article on theories of the leaf type, it wasn't conclusive but nevertheless quite informative. Can't remember which issue # but it was within the past 18 months.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Valued Member
United States
453 Posts |
I'm not at all an expert on early American coins but I am a CT yankee and know that our state seal and flag feature grape vines. These elements were used even before the revolution so it seems totally possible.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
789 Posts |
I've seen articles claiming they are clover leaves.
Sorry, can't remember where I saw that.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1613 Posts |
My hope was not to come across as a know it all. Rather a challenger of the status quo of sorts. But I'd like to add to the topic in that grape vines are wild by nature growing everywhere. Unlike strawberries, which also often grow in the wild but not as prominent. I'll look into the Early Coppers journal westcoin for the read. On a final note, thanks srcliff. I learned some Connecticut history today.  ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Valued Member
United States
453 Posts |
You're welcome Ballyhoo. I can't contribute much around here but I had a grampa who was very proud of his family roots that go back over 300 years in the state so I picked up a few things!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Interesting theory, thanks!
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Replies: 6 / Views: 1,485 |
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Posted 07/06/2019 7:37 pm
