Roman Head

About This Coin

A distinctive 1792 Washington cent pattern featuring a neoclassical portrait depicting Washington in the style of a Roman emperor, with a laurel wreath and classical drapery. This romanticized treatment reflected the eighteenth-century fashion for drawing parallels between the American republic and ancient Rome. The Roman Head cent is extremely rare and is considered one of the most artistically interesting Washington pattern pieces. It is sometimes grouped with the Getz Patterns due to its 1792 date and Washington President theme, though its distinctive portrait style sets it apart.