1793 Vine/Bars Edge Liberty Cap & Variety Cents

About the Liberty Cap & Variety Cents

The Liberty Cap & Variety Cents were a type of U.S. one cent coins released by the federal government in 1793. The coins were produced at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the new nation’s inaugural coinage. The coins depict a Liberty Cap atop a pole with two crossed bars on the obverse, while the reverse features the one cent denomination with a plain edge.

The Liberty Cap & Variety Cents have a long and interesting history. According to the National Geographic Coin Explorer, the coins were the first large-size cents or coppers issued in the United States. The coinage is credited to the prolific engraver Robert Scot, who served as the first chief engraver for the U.S. Mint from 1793 to 1813. The Liberty Cap is believed to have been inspired by the Phrygian cap of ancient Greece, which was often worn as an emblem of freedom and liberty.

The Liberty Cap & Variety Cents have a variety of interesting features. Unlike other coins of the period, each Liberty Cap & Variety Cent was handmade and exhibited striking variations in style, size, and overall design. The coins were also the first publicized coins with a face value of one cent and used the word “cent” as part of their obverse design. Most Liberty Cap & Variety Cents featured the words “FUGIO” and an agricultural design on their reverses, the significance of which is rumored to have been inspired by the words “Mind Your Business” from Benjamin Franklin’s time.

The variety of Liberty Cap & Variety Cents is vast. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), there are two types of reverse designs. The first type features the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounded by a wreath, while the second type features a wreath composed of branches with no inscription. There is also a single Liberty Cap & Variety Cent that features a half moon on its reverse, known as the Kneass Variety. It is believed to have been the first one cent piece to feature a “moon” on its reverse, something that would become common on later United States coins.

The Liberty Cap & Variety Cents are highly sought-after by coin collectors. Many of these coins have survived in remarkable condition and command prices of up to several thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the individual coins. Despite their age, the coins still remain an important part of United States history and are a staple in any lifelong coin enthusiast’s collection.

The 1793 Vine/Bars Edge Liberty Cap & Variety Cents coin, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by Henry Voigt. Made of copper, weighing 13.48 grams, with a diameter of 27 mm, and featuring a vine made of leaves and flutes or the words "one hundred for a dollar" followed by a single or double leaf.<span class="translated_info" data-details-id="d649928223ca1d"><img src="/design/icones/translated.svg" alt="automatically translated" /></span><div id="d649928223ca1d" class="translated_details" aria-hidden="true"><div class="translated_details_intro">this is an automatic translation. the original text is:</div><div lang="fr">vigne faite de feuilles et cannelures ou les mots "one hundred for a dollar" suivis par une feuille simple ou double.</div></div> edge.

The obverse is the "flowing hair" liberty head on the right, and the vintage. in spite of a big work of remodelling of the head, this design did not meet more success. it was abandoned for good afterwards. there is a branch above the date. on some very rare pieces, there are strawberry leaves with a bud instead. see comments for more details.<span class="translated_info" data-details-id="d649928223c53e"><img src="/design/icones/translated.svg" alt="automatically translated" /></span><div id="d649928223c53e" class="translated_details" aria-hidden="true"><div class="translated_details_intro">this is an automatic translation. the original text is:</div><div lang="fr">la tête de la liberté dite "flowing hair" de droite, et le millésime. malgré un gros travail de remodelage de la tête, ce design ne rencontra pas davantage de succès. il fut abandonné définitivement après. il y a une branche au-dessus de la date. sur certaines pièces très rares, il y a plutôt des feuilles de fraisier avec un bourgeon. voir les commentaires pour plus de détails.</div></div>. It reads “LIBERTY 1793”. The reverse is the face value (in all letters) surrounded by a plant crown. this design was well received by the public. the fraction is now under the bow of the ribbon.<span class="translated_info" data-details-id="d649928223c724"><img src="/design/icones/translated.svg" alt="automatically translated" /></span><div id="d649928223c724" class="translated_details" aria-hidden="true"><div class="translated_details_intro">this is an automatic translation. the original text is:</div><div lang="fr">la valeur faciale (en toutes lettres) entourée d'une couronne végétale. ce design fut bien accueilli par le public. la fraction se trouve maintenant sous le noeud du ruban.</div></div>. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ONE CENT 1/100”.