1793 1C LIBERTY CAP P01 PCGS

This 1793 Liberty Cap Cent, graded PO1 by PCGS, stands as a raw yet powerful relic of America’s numismatic origin story—an extraordinary survivor of the first full year of coinage at the Philadelphia Mint. As the final and most refined of the three distinct cent types issued in 1793, the Liberty Cap—designed by Joseph Wright—holds an iconic status among early federal issues. With a mintage of just 11,056 pieces and an estimated 450 examples extant in all grades, the 1793 Liberty Cap is a classic rarity whose appeal transcends condition. This piece has been worn down to its most elemental form, and yet it retains unmistakable authenticity. On the obverse, only a faint contour of Liberty's right-facing portrait emerges under angled light—her forehead, cheekline, and bust barely distinguishable against the smooth, charcoal-brown surface. The coin is evenly toned throughout in shades of espresso, olive-gray, and gunmetal, showing no signs of corrosion or treatment. The reverse is fully worn, with no discernible wreath or denomination, though flowlines and ghost impressions suggest the original design's placement. Despite its PO1 designation, the coin’s surfaces remain undisturbed and original—qualities highly sought after by both early copper specialists and lowball registry collectors. The only relevant auction record is for a non-CAC FR02 PCGS for $7,400 04/25 SB. For advanced collectors building type sets, date runs, or pursuing low-grade condition sets with certified integrity, this 1793 Liberty Cap Cent represents a foundational rarity—an honest, timeworn artifact that connects directly to the dawn of American coinage.