Liberty Cap Cent: 1793-1796

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Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1793-1796
Mints: Philadelphia
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 29 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams
(10.89 grams thin planchet)
Total Mintage: approx. 1,577,902
Edge: Lettered 1793-1795, reeded 1796

Introduction

Because of it's rather large size compared to modern cent coins, collectors commonly call cents minted from 1793 to 1857 Large Cents.

Continuing objections that the obverse design of Liberty was not well presented resulted in a third design change for large cents in 1793 and finally silenced critics of the previous Chain Cent and Wreath Cent obverses. Designed by Joseph Wright, the large cent had a composition of 100% copper.
The obverse design depicts an idealized head of Liberty facing right with a large, floppy Phrygian cap is in the background. Additionally, The inscription LIBERTY appears above the bust

The reverse design has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and has a laurel wreath of leaves and berries tied with a bow which encloses ONE CENT, and the fraction 1/100 is just below the bow.

There are no mint marks as the Philadelphia mint was the only mint during that time period so there were was no need.

General Market Notes

Low grade specimens (AG to G) are the most affordable coins for collectors. Prices quickly climb with each step up in grade.

For those on an extremely low budget may want to consider obtaining a replica coin.

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