1794 Liberty Cap Right Large Head (Series 2)
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Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1794-1797
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 23.5 mm
Weight: 104 grains (thick planchet) 84 grains (thin planchet)
Edge: Lettered TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR
Business strike mintage: 81,600
Proof mintage: None
The 1794 half cent, a distinct type in its own right, is a member of the larger class half cents of the 1794-1797 years. These depict on the obverse Miss Liberty facing to the viewer's right, with LIBERTY above and the date below. Behind her flowing hair is a liberty cap on a pole. The edge is a series of denticles or indentations; the beaded border of 1793 had been discontinued.
The reverse is similar in concept to 1793 except for the denticulated border. Although issues of 1794-1797 are commonly grouped together as a single type, in actuality half cents of 1794 have a larger head of Miss Liberty, while those of 1795 through 1797 have a delicate cameo-like head in a more open field area.
In general, pieces dated 1794 are rare in grades of Extremely Fine or better, while pieces dated 1795 can be acquired in Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated, or even Uncirculated grade, although an Uncirculated specimen may require several years of searching. The half cents of 1794 are apt to have rough surfaces, usually with dark color or granularity. On the other hand, smooth, light brown surfaces are characteristic of 1795 through 1797.
All 1794 cents have lettered edges, as do certain 1795 issues and a few minted in 1797 The rest have plain edges.
A popular condition objective for this style is Fine to Very Fine. Such pieces are sharp enough to show the details, yet they are priced much less than higher grades. Good or Very Good pieces, if carefully selected, can be quite attractive and desirable.
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