The Liberty Cap design, the third cent type of 1793, continued through 1796. The obverse shows Liberty facing right with a liberty cap on a pole behind her; the reverse places ONE CENT and the fraction 1/100 within an open wreath. The 1793 has a beaded border; 1794–1796 have denticles. Early coins (1793, 1794, some 1795) carry a lettered edge (ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR); later, thinner-planchet pieces have a plain edge.
Key facts
- Designed by: Henry Voigt (after the Libertas Americana medal)
- Issue dates: 1793–1796
- Composition: Pure copper
- Diameter: ~29 mm
- Weight: 13.47 g (thick planchet) / 10.88 g (thin planchet)
- Edge: Lettered (early) or plain (later)
- Mintage: 1,577,902
Dozens of Sheldon die varieties exist. For a type coin, the 1794, 1795, or 1796 are affordable in Good–Fine; the 1793 Liberty Cap is far rarer and the key (mintage ~11,056). The 1794 issues are a collecting specialty with colorful variety names (Starred Reverse, Office Boy Reverse, Fallen 4), and the 1795 includes the famous Jefferson Head (a probable private/contract piece, extremely rare). In high grade, 1795 is usually the most available type coin.
We actively buy Liberty Cap cents in every grade, from well-worn type coins to the key 1793 and rare die varieties. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.