Years
Designer
Henry Voigt
Composition
100% copper
Diameter
22 mm
Mass
6.74 g
Thickness
2 mm
Edge
Lettered
Mints
Philadelphia
Metal
Copper
Design
Liberty facing left with a pole and cap — the only left-facing half cent. Reverse a wreath around HALF CENT. One-year type, 1793.
History
The first half cent, struck in 1793 at the new Philadelphia Mint. About 35,000 were made before the portrait was turned to the right in 1794. Survival is thin; most remaining coins are heavily worn. It is the foundation stone of a U.S. type set, not a Flowing Hair design (that portrait was used on the large cent, half, and dollar).
Key dates
1793-P
key
1 issues