1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent: Jefferson Head - Lettered Edge

The 1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent with the "Jefferson Head" and "Lettered Edge" is a fascinating coin with several distinctive features. Here's a closer look:

Design: The obverse of the coin features a bust of Liberty facing right, wearing a Liberty cap, hence the name "Liberty Cap Large Cent." The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on a band across the cap.

Jefferson Head: The term "Jefferson Head" is used to describe certain varieties of the Liberty Cap Large Cent where the bust of Liberty closely resembles the profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.

Lettered Edge: The "Lettered Edge" refers to the edge of the coin, which is inscribed with raised lettering. On the 1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent, the edge features the inscription "ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR" or "TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR," depending on the specific variety.

Mintage: The 1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mint marks at the time. While the exact mintage figures for each variety are not known, the total mintage for the year was relatively high compared to later issues of large cents.

Historical Context: The Liberty Cap Large Cents were part of the early copper coinage of the United States and played a vital role in everyday commerce during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Numismatic Value: The 1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent with the Jefferson Head and Lettered Edge is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, distinctive features, and relative scarcity.

Well-preserved examples with attractive eye appeal command significant premiums at auctions and numismatic events, making them prized additions to any collection of early American coinage.

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