Liberty Cap Half Cent Values
How Much Liberty Cap Half Cent
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1793 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $6,000 | $9,600 | $17,658 | $24,350 | $37,995 | $59,200 | $101,500 | $138,250 | $357,000 | $985,000 |
| 1793 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $173,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1,273 | $2,145 | $3,094 | $6,585 | $10,925 | $21,250 | $70,600 | $88,000 | $164,000 | $315,000 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $225,500 | $387,000 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | Low Relief Head | BN | $1,273 | $2,345 | $3,294 | $7,335 | $11,675 | $25,750 | $70,600 | $88,000 | $179,000 | $327,500 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | High Relief Head | BN | $1,809 | $2,687 | $3,599 | $6,930 | $10,838 | $23,050 | $74,475 | $102,700 | $225,625 | $433,000 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | High Relief Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300,000 | $275,500 | $474,500 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge, Punctuated Date | BN | $1,207 | $1,798 | $2,683 | $5,210 | $12,650 | $27,950 | $81,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge, No Pole | BN | $1,190 | $1,688 | $2,545 | $4,935 | $6,910 | $20,200 | $35,150 | $63,700 | $126,750 | $250,000 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | LE, Punctuated Date | BN | $1,783 | $2,353 | $3,625 | $8,825 | $13,375 | $33,075 | $81,000 | $133,250 | $197,250 | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | BN | $1,273 | $2,020 | $2,710 | $6,940 | $11,325 | $24,900 | $57,750 | $104,250 | $140,500 | $213,000 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | No Pole | BN | $77,175 | $127,250 | $190,000 | $231,000 | $286,000 | $374,000 | $567,000 | $687,500 | $833,000 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | With Pole | BN | $32,500 | $40,800 | $50,750 | $76,750 | $99,750 | $195,500 | $254,500 | $321,000 | $393,000 | $477,500 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | With Pole | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425,000 | $404,000 | $501,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 1 Above 1 | BN | $1,190 | $1,688 | $2,545 | $4,935 | $6,360 | $20,200 | $32,650 | $68,070 | $126,425 | $220,750 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 1 Above 1 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $115,000 | $185,000 | $350,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge | BN | $1,410 | $1,880 | $2,710 | $6,000 | $13,450 | $41,375 | $54,500 | $90,500 | $155,000 | $351,250 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Low Head, Plain Edge | BN | $1,273 | $2,120 | $4,450 | $11,200 | $46,000 | -- | $250,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | BN | $3,550 | $7,240 | $13,500 | $35,700 | $55,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Gripped Edge | BN | $154,000 | $250,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Overview
The Liberty Cap Half Cent, minted from 1793 to 1797, is one of the earliest and most historically significant U.S. coins. Designed by Henry Voigt and later refined by Robert Scot, the obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a cap, symbolizing freedom and democracy. At the same time, the reverse displays a simple wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. Collectors highly value Liberty Cap Half Cents for their low mintages, historical significance, and early U.S. Mint craftsmanship, making them one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics.
History of the Liberty Cap Half Cent
The Liberty Cap Half Cent was introduced in 1793, making it one of the first official coins produced by the United States Mint. This design was influenced by classical depictions of liberty from ancient Roman coinage, incorporating the Phrygian cap, a well-known symbol of freedom.
The series underwent two major design modifications:
- 1793 “Head Left” Design—The first iteration, designed by Henry Voigt, featured Liberty facing left in a more primitive artistic style.
- 1794-1797 “Head Right” Design – Redesigned by Robert Scot, this version featured a more refined Liberty facing right, a style that remained in place until the series ended in 1797.
By 1797, the Draped Bust Half Cent replaced the Liberty Cap Half Cent, reflecting the Mint’s ongoing efforts to improve coin designs.
Collecting Liberty Cap Half Cent Coins
Collectors seek Liberty Cap Half Cents for their status as some of the first U.S. coins, their rarity, and their distinct design modifications. Due to primitive minting technology, many surviving examples exhibit weak strikes, planchet flaws, or surface corrosion, making high-quality specimens extremely valuable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1793 First-Year Issue (“Head Left”) – The first official U.S. Half Cent, with only 35,334 coins minted, making it one of the rarest issues in U.S. numismatics.
- 1794 Head Right – The first year of the more refined Liberty portrait, marking a vital design shift.
- 1795 Lettered Edge vs. Plain Edge – Early 1795 issues were struck with a lettered edge (“TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR”), while later issues featured a plain edge.
- 1796 Rarity – The scarcest issue in the series, with an extremely low survival rate.
- 1797 Final-Year Issue – The last year of production before transitioning to the Draped Bust design.
Additionally, collectors look for original, problem-free examples with full details, as many Liberty Cap Half Cents have suffered from environmental damage or improper storage over time.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Liberty Cap Half Cents are rare and typically found at high-profile auctions, museum collections, and prestigious numismatic dealers.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for well-defined hair details, complete wreath elements, and minimal surface imperfections.
- Proper Storage: Store high-grade Liberty Cap Half Cents in certified holders or temperature-controlled environments to prevent oxidation.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent is among the rarest and most valuable early U.S. coins. Very few were produced, and even fewer have survived in collectible condition. Additionally, the 1793 “Head Left” issue is highly sought after because it is the first official U.S. Half Cent.
Investment Potential
The Liberty Cap Half Cent is a top-tier investment coin due to its historical significance, low mintage, and collector demand. Coins such as the 1793 first-year issue, 1796 rarity, and high-grade 1797 final-year issues continue to appreciate in value. Well-documented pedigrees and problem-free specimens command the highest premiums.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1793 First-Year Issue (“Head Left”) – One of the rarest early U.S. coins.
- 1794 Head Right – A significant design transition year.
- 1795 Lettered Edge vs. Plain Edge – A significant variety in early U.S. coinage.
- 1796 Rarity – One of the most difficult Half Cents to find in any condition.
- 1797 Final-Year Issue – Highly desirable as the last of the Liberty Cap Half Cents.
Notable Errors
- Weak Strikes – Many Liberty Cap Half Cents exhibit incomplete details due to early striking limitations.
- Overdates (e.g., 1795/4) – Some dies were repunched, creating visible overdated varieties.
- Planchet Cracks & Flaws – Early copper refining techniques led to surface defects on many coins.
- Off-Center Strikes – Some Liberty Cap Half Cents were misaligned during striking, adding to their collectability.
Design Features
The Liberty Cap Half Cent, designed by Henry Voigt and later refined by Robert Scot, features:
- Obverse: A left-facing (1793) or right-facing (1794-1797) Liberty wearing a soft cap, symbolizing freedom and independence.
- Reverse: A wreath encircling “HALF CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
Key design modifications include:
- 1793 Head Left Design: The original, more primitive portrait of Liberty, used for only one year.
- 1794-1797 Head Right Design: A more refined depiction of Liberty, aligning with evolving coinage standards.
Conclusion
The Liberty Cap Half Cent is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a direct link to the founding of the U.S. Mint and early copper coin production. With its low mintage, extreme rarity, and historical importance, this series remains among U.S. history’s most prestigious and valuable coins. Understanding its rarities, condition challenges, and market trends is essential for collectors and investors seeking to acquire Liberty Cap Half Cents.
