1796 Liberty Cap Right Half Cent

About This Coin

The 1796 Liberty Cap Right Half Cent is a United States cent from the Liberty Cap Right Half Cents 1794-1797 series. The obverse features Liberty facing right with a Phrygian cap on a pole behind her head, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing HALF CENT and 1/200. Designed by John Smith Gardner. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Liberty Cap Right Half Cent was produced from 1794 to 1797, featuring the revised right-facing portrait. These coins saw active circulation in everyday commerce where even half a cent had purchasing power. The 1796 (with or without pole) is a major rarity. All dates are scarce in high grade. Cohen die variety numbers guide specialized collecting.