The History of United States Coinage As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection

In the late 19th century Dr. Edward Maris used his knowledge of Latin and medicine to give 1794 cents, which he studied in detail, such names as Ornate, Venus Marina, and Shielded Hair, to mention just a few. One early cent die is known to collectors as the Office Boy Reverse, presumably because no regular engraver could have produced such an amateurish job. Fanciful description given to cents of 1794 and other early years has heightened their appeal. The Early American Coppers club publishes Penny Wise, a journal devoted to the rarity, prices, and idiosyncracies of 1794 cents and other early copper issues, particularly of the 1793-1814 era.

In 1795 the weight of cents was reduced from the old standard of 208 grains to 168. This was done to circumvent an impending crisis in the face of the rising price of copper. Copper subsequently declined in value, but the weight reduction was nevertheless put into effect. Lower weight cents struck on thin planchets dated 1795 and later were issued with plain edges.