The Liberty Cap Half Cent is, for whatever reason, captivating to me. I would call it one of my favorite US type coins. I think I spent a lot of time looking at it in the Red Book when I was 10 or so. I was at EAC Portland this weekend and was looking for a 1794 half cent. If you’ve ever tried looking for these, you’d know they’re not easy to find. The ones I could find weren’t in my price range at all! Eventually I saw this 1797 that, at $325, I had to leave the show with. My other 1/2c is a 1797, but it’s a corroded metal detected C-1. This is a C-2, a generally much higher production quality and overall nicer looking variety.
I too marveled over the Liberty Cap photos in my Redbook as a kid... Though I didn't understood why Lady Liberty had a bow in her hair and a pole in her neck.... Ahh to be young and clueless again.....
US half cents are my #1 interest area. Not surprisingly, the Liberty Cap ones are my weakest group. Price holds me back. So I was very interested in looking at your coin. I like it -- a lot! The size of the dentils caught me by surprise. I dug out my Fuhrman book to see what I was looking at. Now I want one like yours; it's in my price range. Congrats on your purchase.
The early half dimes grabbed my attention when I was a young collector. I could not afford them either. All of the Liberty Cap Half Cents I saw when I was in my teens were damaged. The piece you purchased has some surface issues, but the features are sharp and the design elements are well defined. This 1797 C-1 half cent cost me over $400, 35 years ago. You are right about the 1797 C-1 coins having production issues, but this one is an early die state.
A lot of meat on this one. The surfaces not perfect but I find it eye appealing and likeable. I’d be happy with it in my collection as well
