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Liberty Cap Half Cent (1793–1797) — Values & Key Dates · LuckyCoin
  1. Coins/
  2. United States/
  3. Half Cents & Cents/
  4. Liberty Cap Half Cent

Liberty Cap Half Cent

👥 633+ LuckyCoin collectors track this series

Spanning 1793 to 1797, the Liberty Cap Half Cent catalog contains 14 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent at just 1,390 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent at up to $700,000 in top grade.

Liberty Cap Half Cent mintage by year →Liberty Cap Half Cent value-by-grade chart →
1793
1793
Mintage 35K
1794
1794
Mintage 82K
1794 High-Relief Head
1794 High-Relief Head
Variety
1795 Lettered Edge, With Pole
1795 Lettered Edge, With Pole
Mintage 140K
1795 Lettered Edge, Punctuated Date
1795 Lettered Edge, Punctuated Date
Variety
1795 Plain Edge, Punctuated Date
1795 Plain Edge, Punctuated Date
Variety
1795 Plain Edge, No Pole
1795 Plain Edge, No Pole
Variety
1796 With Pole
1796 With Pole
Mintage 1K
1796 No Pole
1796 No Pole
Variety
1797 Plain Edge
1797 Plain Edge
Mintage 128K
1797 Plain Edge, Low Head
1797 Plain Edge, Low Head
Variety
1797 Lettered Edge
1797 Lettered Edge
Variety
1797 Gripped Edge
1797 Gripped Edge
Variety
1797 1 Above 1, Plain Edge
1797 1 Above 1, Plain Edge
Error

Liberty Cap Half Cent Mintage by Year

Peak 140K
035K70K105K140K1793: 35,334 coins35K17931794: 81,600 coins82K17941795: 139,690 coins140K17951796: 1,390 coins17961797: 127,840 coins128K1797

Combined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.

About the Liberty Cap Half Cent

The Liberty Cap Half Cent is a rare, early American coin created by the United States Mint during the 1790s. This copper coin, valued at only one-half of a cent, is one of the first coins created by the newly-formed United States Mint. It measures 18 millimeters in diameter and weighs 6.74 grams. The obverse of the coin features a circlet with the words “LIBERTY” above, and the words “HALF CENT” below. The reverse of the coin features a Roman Numeral “II” in the center, surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars.

First struck in 1793, the United States Mint produced the Liberty Cap Half Cent in various varieties until 1857. During this sixty-four year stretch, the design and composition of the coin changes from year-to-year, with the most common obverse and reverse varieties consisting of a linen type head or “Head of 1793” and a sprig of laurel or “Wreath of 1793”, respectively. The Liberty Cap Half Cent is recognized by currency experts as a highly coveted coin, due to its scarcity, simple beauty, and historical significance. Today, the Liberty Cap Half Cent is a popular collectible. For those looking to add a Liberty Cap Half Cent to their collection, it is important to note that counterfeit versions do exist, so purchasing from a reputable source is critical.

Furthermore, we recommend that collectors thoroughly research the coin before purchasing, to ensure its authenticity and condition. The Liberty Cap Half Cent is a tremendously important part of American history and a popular item for coin collectors. Its beauty and rarity make it an attractive choice for those looking to add an early coin to their collection.

Other United States half cents & cents series

  • Liberty Cap & Variety Cents1793–1796
  • Draped Bust Cent1796–1807
  • Draped Bust Half Cent1800–1808
  • Classic Cent1808–1814
  • Classic Head Half Cent1809–1836
  • Coronet Cent1816–1839
  • Braided Hair Cent1839–1857
  • Braided Hair Half Cent1840–1857
  • Flying Eagle Cent1856–1858
  • Indian Head Cent1859–1909
  • Lincoln Wheat Reverse Cent1909–1958
  • Lincoln Memorial Cent1959–2008
  • Lincoln Bicentennial Cents2009
  • Lincoln Union Shield Cent2010–

Looking for coins from a specific year across every denomination? Browse US coin values by year →

Which Liberty Cap Half Cent coins do collectors actually own? See the 2026 rarity & ownership report →

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Liberty Cap Half Cent minted?
The Liberty Cap Half Cent was minted by United States from 1793 to 1797.
How many Liberty Cap Half Cent coins were minted?
Across every year and mintmark, approximately 385,854 Liberty Cap Half Cent coins were struck.
What is the Liberty Cap Half Cent made of?
The Liberty Cap Half Cent is made of copper, weighs 6.74 grams, and measures 23.5 mm in diameter.
How much is a Liberty Cap Half Cent worth?
Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $700,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.