USRC Tench Coxe was a 39-ton harbor steam-powered vessel that was built by William T. Malster, in Baltimore, Maryland.
She was launched on 7 June 1876 and arrived at her home port of Philadelphia on 16 September 1876.
On 23 October, her first commanding officer, Revenue Captain (Acting) Eric Gabrielson, was ordered to place the cutter in commission and to "ship crew."
Captain Gabrielson placed the Tench Coxe in commission on 27 October 1876.
She served on quarantine duty at Lewes, Delaware from 2 August 1884 until being ordered back to Philadelphia on 2 September of that same year.