LIBERTY CAP, RIGHT, ONE CENT (1793-1796)
¬ Denomination with fraction bar
FACTS:
The "Liberty Cap" design was minted from 1794 to 1796, this design type is full of interesting varieties, many of them rare. In 1795, the weight of the Large Cent was reduced and the edge lettering was replaced with a plain edge.
The Liberty Cap design features a bust of a young Miss Liberty, her hair flowing freely, with a staff and cap over her left shoulder. The cap represents freedom -- hats such as this were given to slaves once they became free. The freedom cap was a popular symbol in America during the Revolutionary War, appearing on numerous buttons worn by patriots and soldiers. Miss Liberty represented the new American nation -- her presence on the coin was mandated by government officials.
The Liberty Cap design, attributed to Mint Engraver Robert Scot, was used on U.S. One Cent coins from 1793 to 1796. The Half Cent was the only other U.S. coin to bear the Liberty Cap design.
The reverse design features a simple wreath surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The denomination appears within the wreath as ONE CENT and below the ribbon as a fraction.
The official weight of the coins was set at 208 grains, making them thick enough for the denomination to be applied as lettering on the edge of the coin: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR. At the end of 1795, President George Washington reduced the weight to 168 grains, thus some of the One Cent coins from 1795 and all subsequent issues have plain edges (some rare experimental edge types of 1795 and 1797 being exceptions).
Except for 1793, this type is common and can be obtained easily. However, Uncirculated examples are rare and valuable. Many die varieties exist for this series, creating a popular diversion for advanced collectors.
Cherry Picker's List:
1793 Look for either edge lettering: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with one leaf after DOLLAR, leaf points down, or ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR with one leaf after DOLLAR, leaf points up.
1794 Look for head of 1793.
1795 Vertical reeding
1796
SPECIFICATIONS:
Designer:
Robert Scot
Diameter: 28 millimeters
Metal content:
Copper - 100%
Weight:
208 grains (13.5 grams), reduced to 168 grains (10.9 grams) at the end of 1795
Edge Lettering:
ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR (through 1795), plain (beginning in 1795), or with experimental, vertical reeding (on one 1795 variety)
Mint mark:
None (all examples of this type were struck at Philadelphia)
Liberty Cap, Facing Right, Large Cent
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The listed values are for the grade AG3, except the proofs, because Large Cents are commonly found in this condition. Coins that are damaged, scratched or cleaned in any way will be less then values listed in price guides. Also, the below values are just examples of what the date has sold for, and not what a dealer would pay for the same date, mint or grade.
