Large Cents and Half Cents were the first coins struck for circulation under United States government authority. In 1793 coinage began, specifying, under laws, the weight of the cent should be exactly twice as much as the half cent. Large cents were struck every year from 1793 through 1857 with the exception of 1815. Large cents are made of copper, and stuck in many different varieties. Among many Large Cents, two of the most popular and sought after designs are the 1793 Flowing Hair Chain Reverse, and the 1793 Wreath, both designed by Henry Voigt. Joseph Wright was the designer of the Liberty Cap Large Cent and the Classic Head Large Cent. Robert Scott was the designer of the Draped Bust Large Cent and the Liberty Head Large Cent. Christian Gobrecht designed the Matron Head Modified Large Cent. By 1857, after realizing the rising cost of making and distributing copper coins, the Mint Director, Snowden, had reported that they had "barely paid expenses". It was then, in 1857, the ever so unpopular half cent and large cent were discontinued, and the small cent was introduced.