1797 1/2C Plain Edge, BN (Regular Strike)
Series: Liberty Cap Right Half Cents 1794-1797
PCGS MS66BN
PCGS MS63BN
PCGS AU55BN
- PCGS #:
- 1036
- Designer:
- John Smith Gardner
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 23.50 millimeters
- Weight:
- 5.44 grams
- Mintage:
- 127,840
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- Copper
- Auction Record:
- $18,000 • AU55 • 07-01-2009 • Stack's
Major Varieties
- 1797 1/2C 1 Above 1, BN
- 1797 1/2C 1 Above 1, RB
- 1797 1/2C Plain Edge, BN
- 1797 1/2C Plain Edge, RB
- 1797 1/2C Plain Edge, RD
- 1797 1/2C Low Head, Plain Edge, BN
- 1797 1/2C Low Head, Plain Edge, RB
- 1797 1/2C Low Head, Plain Edge, RD
- 1797 1/2C Lettered Edge, BN
- 1797 1/2C Lettered Edge, RB
- 1797 1/2C Lettered Edge, RD
- 1797 1/2C Gripped Edge, BN
- 1797 1/2C Gripped Edge, RB
- 1797 1/2C Gripped Edge, RD
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 200 |
| 60 or Better | 3 |
| 65 or Better | |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-7.0 |
| 60 or Better | R-9.8 |
| 65 or Better | R-10.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 6 / 11 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 3 / 11 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 11 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 6 / 14 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 4 / 14 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 14 |
Condition Census What Is This?
| #1 MS64BN PCGS grade |
| #2 MS63BN PCGS grade |
| #2 MS63BN estimated grade |
| #4 MS62BN PCGS grade |
| #4 MS62BN estimated grade |
| #6 AU55 PCGS grade |
| #6 AU55 PCGS grade |
| #6 AU55 PCGS grade |
| #6 AU55 PCGS grade |
| #6 AU55 PCGS grade |
The "Plain Edge" designation refers only to the Cohen 2 variety, even though there are other Plain Edge 1797 Half Cents:
Cohen 1 - plain edge, known as the "1 over 1" variety Cohen 3a - plain edge, low head, known as the "Low Head" variety
This illustrates the problem with trying to come-up with abbreviated names for varieties of U.S. coins -- it's impossible to account for all the combinations that can occur when multiple varieties occur within the same year.
The Plain Edge, Centered Head Half Cent (Cohen 2) is underrated in terms of rarity and is much more difficut to locate than is generally believed. Above Very Fine, this date becomes very rare, especially on choclolate-brown, problem-free planchets. Only a very few examples are known in Mint State (all Brown) and none have been graded finder than MS-64BN by PCGS.
This variety usually comes nicely centered within a wide border of denticles. In this writer's opinion, it is one of the nicest looking Liberty Cap varieties.