Morning folks! Does anyone out there (LOL) know the significance of the cap on the pole on the early us cents?....I know that I read it somewhere but can't seem to remember. Man it's tough getting old. Ken
It is supposed to represent the Liberty Cap. As I rememebr it (also getting old) I will post addl. info.
This is from a paragraph of a paper that I have yet to send in to the ANA Journal. (Give me time! Lol). Although the paragraph is regarding an 1836 pattern gold dollar, it talks at length of the liberty cap. " The significance of this piece is tremendous. The cap & rays motif was popular in Mexico at the time, but the symbol of the Liberty cap is much older and can be traced back to Ancient Rome, when it was known as the pileus. In Rome, when a slave was freed, he was given a pileus to signify his freedom. This same cap was displayed on US coins, first on the Libertas Americana medal, then later on the half and large cents, where its symbolism caused quite a stir. It can also be seen on the head of Liberty on all circulating gold and silver coins. Ironically, this symbol of freedom from slavery is illustrated on a coin proposed by Southern congressman at the height of the American slave system. The palm frond, seen on the reverse, is often used as a symbol of victory and ascension. With the rise of American industry, the symbolism of the palm frond becomes particularly notable – victory over imported industrial goods and the ascension of the new industrial way of life. Though this interpretation may seem somewhat far-fetched, one must bear in mind that this is one of the few representations of a palm branch on American coinage. "
early large cent i loved it. i got some u.s.-philippine large centavos dated 1903s to 1945s. i also got some british old two pennies.
not to contradict wikipedia... but it is my understanding that the phrygian cap is symbolic of freedom of thought
??? I must be misreading something. True, the Liberty Cap was found on all US Gold coins before Longacre's Liberty designs came out in 1838 - but on those, Liberty is wearing a Coronet. Those lasted until 1907, at which time the designs had Indian headresses except the Saints, where Liberty lets it all hang out. So after 1838, no Liberty Cap on gold. Or silver, for that matter... Since he was talking about an 1836 pattern gold dollar, I guess the writer means "as of 1836" all gold and silver had Liberty Cap motifs, which is true.
Previous discussion thread on this matter: http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=24228&highlight=cap
Morning folks; I originaly posted this question on the 11th just before I went out of town for a few days....what a response! You guys (and gals) are terrific. Thanks for all of the info. Ken
