1797 1/2C Low Head, Plain Edge, BN (Regular Strike)
Series: Liberty Cap Right Half Cents 1794-1797
PCGS AU53BN
Centered Head/Low Head Comparison
PCGS AU50BN
- PCGS #:
- 35107
- Designer:
- John Smith Gardner
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 23.50 millimeters
- Weight:
- 5.44 grams
- Mintage:
- 127,840
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- Copper
- Auction Record:
- $12,998 • VF20BN • 12-29-2022 • eBay
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 | 100 |
| 60 or Better | |
| 65 or Better | |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-8.0 |
| 60 or Better | R-10.1 |
| 65 or Better | R-10.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 3 / 11 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 11 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 11 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 3 / 14 |
| 60 or Better | 1 / 14 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 14 |
Condition Census What Is This?
#1 VF30 PCGS grade
|
| #1 VF30 PCGS grade |
| #3 VF25 PCGS grade |
#4 F15 PCGS grade
|
#5 F12 PCGS grade
|
| #5 F12 PCGS grade |
| #5 F12 PCGS grade |
The 1797 Low Head Half Cent is a distinctive variety where the head of Liberty was punched way too low into the die, crowding into and nearly touching the date. While this variety is visually distinctive, it's important to check the edge because one of the greatest cherrypicking opportunities exists with the Low Head Half Cent. Three edge subvarieties exist on the 1797 Low Head: Plain Edge, Lettered Edge, and Gripped Edge. The 1797 Low Head, Plain Edge is the most "common" of the three subvarieties, though even it is scarce. The 1797 Low Head, Lettered Edge is a very scarce and desirable variety. Finally, the 1797 Low Head, Gripped Edge is one of the rarest and most valuable of all Half Cent varieties. So, on all 1797 Low Head Half Cents, be sure to check the edge!
In terms of condition, the 1797 Low Head, Plain Edge is difficult to locate in any grade, especially above Very Fine. No Mint State examples are known to exist.