Issued during the presidency of George Washington, the 1796 cent circulated in the post-Revolutionary economic landscape when the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia was still young and reliant on imported copper planchets. These coins were made for daily use and often saw heavy wear or environmental exposure.
Design Details
Obverse:
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Features Liberty with flowing hair, facing right, wearing a soft cap on a pole behind her shoulder—modeled after Roman freedom imagery.
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Legend reads “LIBERTY” above, with the date 1796 below.
Reverse:
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Displays a wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT”, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge.
Technical Specifications
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Type: Liberty Cap, Large Cent
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Metal: Pure copper
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Weight: ~13.48 grams
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Diameter: ~29 mm
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Edge: Plain
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Designer: Robert Scot
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Mintage: ~109,825 (very low for the series)
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