1793-1796 Liberty Cap Cent #numismatics

When I visited America a year back I was unknowingly beginning a new hobby in #numismatics when I sought out an American coin from the 18th century. Little did I know finding something predating 1800 would be so difficult at the local coin shops where I was staying. I was shown American coins dating back as early as 1805 yet I just couldn't break that 1800 year mark. That is until by luck one dealer located and pulled out this:

The coin is a 1793-1796 Liberty Cap Cent. These coins can actually fetch quite a fortune at auction (think $500k-$1m) unfortunately this one is in such poor condition and is marked as "ungraded." On the plus side, the dealer was almost giving it away so I snatched it up; Besides, I was more interested in this piece for its historical rather than monetary value. I wanted a piece of early American history that was tangible, that I could hold and touch, and I had it with this!

The obverse of the coin can just barely be made out, appearing as a faint silhouette really, and shows the head of the goddess Liberty with free, flowing hair. The image of Liberty on this coin appears younger than as it's seen on later coins perhaps with the intention of representing the youth of America at the time. Over Liberty's shoulder, which can just be made out on mine, is not a funky ponytail but rather the Liberty Cap which she carries on a pole.

The Liberty Cap was a symbol for freedom that comes from France. Above the head can be seen the word LIBERTY in capital letters which is faintly apparent. Below the head, not visible on my coin, would be the date. Because the date is worn off I can only date this coin to the overall period in which it was manufactured from 1793 to 1796. The reverse of the coin is completely worn down but would have shown a wreath with the denomination ONE CENT stamped within and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA placed around the rim of the coin.

Thanks for reading!