The Liberty Cap half-cent is a coin that holds a special place in the history of the United States. First minted in 1793, it was the smallest denomination of US coin ever produced. Despite its small size, the Liberty Cap half-cent played a significant role in the country’s early economy.
The Liberty Cap half-cent was designed by Henry Voigt, who was the chief coiner at the United States Mint at the time. The obverse side of the coin features the head of Liberty with flowing hair and a cap decorated with a pole and a Phrygian cap, which was a symbol of freedom in ancient Rome. The reverse side of the coin features a wreath with the words “Half Cent” in the center.
The Liberty Cap half-cent was produced from 1793 to 1797, but it was not without its challenges. Due to their small size, the coins were difficult to mint, and they were often counterfeited. In fact, some experts estimate that as many as half of the Liberty Cap half-cents in circulation during the late 1790s were counterfeit.
Despite these challenges, the Liberty Cap half-cent remained in circulation until it was replaced by the Draped Bust half-cent in 1800
- Head Facing Left 1793
- Head Facing Right 1794 to 1797
- Designer: Adam Echfeldt.
- Weight: 6.74 grams
- Composition: .999 copper.
- Diameter: 22 mm.
- TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR Edge.
- Coined at Philadelphia Mint.
