The 1792 Silver Center Cent is an iconic US coin. It is believed to be the first coin produced by the US mint. Because the new nation wanted to back its currency with precious metal it had a small silver disc inserted to it. Ironically the silver did not add much to the metal value. Very few remain. This example, one of the finest known, was auctioned by Heritage last year and brought US$ 1.150.000 with commission. There is lots of information on this early US coin – one of many fascinating issues to come from the emerging power.
Thanks to Heritage Auctions for the images.