Joseph Wright, a prominent painter and sculptor, was hired by Mint Director David Rittenhouse to redesign the cent for a third time in the first year of its issue. Before Congress could confirm his appointment as Chief Engraver, Wright succumbed to yellow fever in the 1793 outbreak. His dies continued to be used until Robert Scot was named Chief Engraver, who promptly altered Wright's design with a lower relief portrait. Several modifications were made to the design over the next 3 years by Scot and Assistant Engraver John Smith Gardner.

The "Jefferson Head" pattern piece is included here, though it was not coined by the Mint. A private entrepreneur, John Harper, struck the piece in an attempt to receive a coining contract from Congress members dismissive of a public mint.