Liberty Cap Half Cent Values
How Much Liberty Cap Half Cents are Worth: Liberty Cap Half Cent Values & Coin Price Chart
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 | $5,890.00 | $9,820.00 | $16,963.00 | $24,625.00 | $31,400.00 | $61,700.00 | $101,500.00 | $138,250.00 | $357,000.00 | $985,000.00 |
| 1793 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $173,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1,248.00 | $2,070.00 | $3,094.00 | $6,585.00 | $10,925.00 | $21,250.00 | $70,600.00 | $88,000.00 | $164,000.00 | $315,000.00 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $225,500.00 | $387,000.00 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | Low Relief Head | BN | $1,248.00 | $2,345.00 | $3,169.00 | $6,960.00 | $11,675.00 | $25,750.00 | $70,600.00 | $88,000.00 | $179,000.00 | $327,500.00 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | High Relief Head | BN | $1,809.00 | $2,687.00 | $3,599.00 | $6,805.00 | $11,338.00 | $23,050.00 | $74,475.00 | $102,700.00 | $225,625.00 | $433,000.00 |
| 1794 | (None) Phil | High Relief Head | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300,000.00 | $275,500.00 | $474,500.00 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | BN | $1,223.00 | $2,020.00 | $2,710.00 | $6,940.00 | $11,325.00 | $24,900.00 | $57,750.00 | $104,250.00 | $140,500.00 | $213,000.00 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | LE, Punctuated Date | BN | $1,783.00 | $2,353.00 | $3,375.00 | $8,825.00 | $13,375.00 | $31,825.00 | $81,000.00 | $133,250.00 | $197,250.00 | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge, Punctuated Date | BN | $1,157.00 | $1,798.00 | $2,683.00 | $5,210.00 | $12,650.00 | $27,950.00 | $81,500.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge, No Pole | BN | $1,140.00 | $1,688.00 | $2,545.00 | $4,935.00 | $6,910.00 | $20,200.00 | $35,150.00 | $63,700.00 | $126,750.00 | $250,000.00 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | No Pole | BN | $77,175.00 | $127,250.00 | $190,000.00 | $231,000.00 | $286,000.00 | $374,000.00 | $579,500.00 | $712,500.00 | $858,000.00 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | With Pole | BN | $32,500.00 | $40,800.00 | $50,750.00 | $74,000.00 | $84,750.00 | $195,500.00 | $254,500.00 | $321,000.00 | $393,000.00 | $477,500.00 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | With Pole | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425,000.00 | $404,000.00 | $501,000.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 1 Above 1 | BN | $1,140.00 | $1,688.00 | $2,545.00 | $4,935.00 | $6,360.00 | $20,200.00 | $35,150.00 | $70,570.00 | $126,425.00 | $220,750.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 1 Above 1 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $115,000.00 | $185,000.00 | $350,000.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Plain Edge | BN | $1,360.00 | $1,880.00 | $2,710.00 | $5,765.00 | $9,540.00 | $41,375.00 | $54,500.00 | $90,500.00 | $155,000.00 | $351,250.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Low Head, Plain Edge | BN | $1,223.00 | $2,120.00 | $4,450.00 | $11,200.00 | $46,000.00 | -- | $250,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Lettered Edge | BN | $3,550.00 | $7,240.00 | $13,500.00 | $35,700.00 | $55,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Gripped Edge | BN | $154,000.00 | $250,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
History of the Liberty Cap Half Cent
The Liberty Cap Half Cent, minted from 1793 to 1797, is one of the earliest and historically significant U.S. coins. Designed by Adam Eckfeldt and later refined by Robert Scot, the Liberty Cap Half Cent was introduced in 1793, making it one of the first official coins produced by the United States Mint.
The obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a cap, symbolizing freedom and democracy. The reverse displays a simple wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim and the denomination “1/200” on the bottom.
The series underwent two major design modifications, and by 1797, the Draped Bust Half Cent replaced the Liberty Cap Half Cent, reflecting the Mint’s ongoing efforts to improve coin designs.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1793 First-Year Issue (“Head Left”): The first release in the series
- 1794 Head Right: The design shifted for the last three years of production.
- 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 Liberty Cap Half Cent: The scarcest issue in the series due to its low mintage of about 1,390 and the U.S. Mint’s die failure that year.
- 1797 Final-Year Issue: The last year of production before transitioning to the Draped Bust design in 1800.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: Acquire one Liberty Cap Half Cent from each year of issue (1793–1797), providing a simple collection that highlights the historical development of the early series and its rapid design and minting changes.
- High-Grade or Color Set: Target Mint State or premium-grade circulated pieces, and seek Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or full Red (RD) color coins, prioritizing top-tier aesthetics and technical rarity within the series.
- Die Marriage and Error Set: Build a collection based on distinctive die marriages (Sheldon or Cohen numbers), notable planchet or strike errors, and rare varieties, focusing on advanced numismatic study and cataloged production anomalies.
- Investment/Prestige Set: Acquire coins documented with high-profile pedigrees, CAC or top grading labels, and focus on the most desirable rarities (e.g., 1793 First Issue, 1796 With/No Pole, and 1797 major varieties) for both historical significance and appreciation potential.
Another popular collection type is collecting one or both design types. The design was influenced by classical depictions of Liberty from ancient Roman coinage, incorporating the Phrygian cap, a well-known symbol of freedom.
- 1793 “Head Left” Design: The first iteration featured Liberty facing left in a more primitive artistic style.
- 1794-1797 “Head Right” Design: This version featured a more refined Liberty facing right, a style that remained in place until the series ended in 1797.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Liberty Cap Half Cents are early U.S. copper coins (1794 – 1797) that are generally scarce and often expensive, especially in problem-free condition. Because of this, newcomers who want exposure to early copper sometimes begin with a single, modestly priced lower-grade example purchased from a reputable dealer. That coin can be used to study basic design details and how early copper planchets age over time. When selecting a piece, look for a readable date, as much remaining hair detail as possible, and limited corrosion or damage. Store the coin in an archival-quality, inert holder in a stable, low-humidity environment to help preserve its surfaces.
Advanced Collecting
Many advanced collectors specialize in Liberty Cap Half Cents because of their rarity, short production span, and numerous dates and varieties. Many issues are scarce, and the 1796 No Pole variety is exceptionally rare and has realized record prices at major auctions, particularly in better grades. Assembling a comprehensive set often takes years and usually involves working with established dealers, major auctions, and early-copper specialists. Prioritize well-defined hair and wreath details, original surfaces, and authenticated pieces in certified holders. Maintain them in temperature-controlled, low-humidity storage to help protect their condition.
Investment Potential
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.
Liberty Cap Half Cents are regarded as strong long-term collectibles due to their historical significance, low mintage, and collector demand. Coins such as the 1793 first-year issue, the scarce 1796 date, and high-grade 1797 examples have shown sustained price growth over time. Well-documented pedigrees and problem-free specimens have the highest premiums.