Numismatic

1795 Half Cent Lettered Edge w/Pole VG

---

In the earliest years of United States coinage, the half cent represented the smallest denomination produced by the young nation. The 1795 half cent, struck in pure copper at the Philadelphia Mint, offers a direct window into this formative era of American manufacturing. This particular variety features a lettered edge and includes the distinct pole supporting the cap behind Liberty's head, a design detail that fascinates collectors of early American copper. The obverse of the coin displays a classic representation of Liberty, her hair flowing loosely with a liberty cap resting on a pole behind her portrait. Above her image, the word LIBERTY is inscribed. On the reverse, a delicate wreath encloses the denomination HALF CENT, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wraps around the outer perimeter of the design. With a total original mintage of just 139,690 pieces, surviving examples of this copper issue are highly prized. This coin has survived more than two centuries of American history, preserved in Very Good condition, allowing us to appreciate the artistry of early engraver Joseph Wright.