1797 Liberty Cap Right Half Cent

About This Coin

The 1797 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. 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.