A Biography of the Penny —1790s: The United States Mint was established in 1792, and soon thereafter the first one-cent coins were produced (in 1793) under the Act of 1792. Designs featured a Liberty figure (often “Flowing Hair” Liberty), and the reverse on the first 1793 version bore a chain of links (symbolizing states) which proved unpopular and was soon changed. —1800s: Through the early decades of the 19th century the large cent (around 26–27 mm diameter) continued in various designs (Coron