The finest known specimen of a US 1792 Birch cent is valued in excess of $1.5m ahead of a January 7-12 sale at Heritage Auctions in Orlando.

There was a heated debate prior to the release of the issue as to whether it should display a bust of acting president George Washington.

The Birch cent offered in the sale is in uncirculated condition

The earliest versions of the coin display his initials, but it was ultimately decided this represented a throwback to the monarchy that the United States had just escaped.

A bust of Liberty, surrounded by the legend "LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY", was used instead.

Also on offer is the only 1792 Eagle-on-Globe copper quarter dollar on the market, which is also offered with a minimum bid of $1.5m.

The design for the coin was created by a different engraver, likely a New Jersey born painter named Joseph Wright - who had executed a well-received portrait of George Washington in 1784.

While it's referred to as a quarter, it displays no value and was never released into circulation.

Heritage explains this indicates "the Wright piece was commissioned with no specific denomination in mind, perhaps as a test of die production or the engraver's skill."

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