In 1792, the United States Coinage Act was signed into law and the first, undisputed, coins were minted the following year in 1793. The first of the US pennies was named the Flowing Hair Large Cent with Chain Reverse.
The chain was symbolic for the unity of the newly formed nation, there are 13 loops, representing the 13 states in the new county. Though the chain had been used before on pre-Mint coins, the public didn't respond positively to it. There were fewer than 40,000 reportedly minted and today, the original "chain" pennies go for several thousands of dollars apiece.
There was another unique feature, as a handful of the coins were minted with "AMERI." replacing "AMERICA" on the backside. Those easily fetch $7,000+ even in today's market.
I can see why the original US citizens didn't like the coin. Lady Liberty looks freaky as Hell. I've had nightmares of faces like that spitting Corn Nuts at me.
