1797 HALF CENT

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 127,840
Proofs: 0

Designer: John Smith Gardner

Diameter: ±23.5 millimeters

Metal content:
Copper - 100%

Weight: 84 grains (5.44 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmark: None (all 1797 Half Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)

Notes:
The finest Brown "Lettered Edge" example graded by PCGS are 2 VG-VFBN's.

An example of the Red-Brown "Lettered Edge" is recorded in the PCGS Population Report, but no grade has been attributed. 

The finest Brown "Plain Edge" examples graded by PCGS are 2 MS-64BN's.

An example of the Red-Brown "Plain Edge" is recorded in the PCGS Population Report, but no grade has been attributed.

The finest Brown "Grip Edge" example graded by PCGS is a single VG-VFBN.

The finest Brown "1 Above 1" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-64BN.

No Red examples of any variety have been graded by PCGS.

Images courtesy of Gene Braig

Varieties (3, plus subvarieties):
Cohen 1 - 
Cohen 2 - 
Cohen 3 - 

Significant examples:
See individual varieties

Recent appearances:
See individual varieties

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"American Half Cents - The 'Little Half Sisters' (Second Edition)" by Roger S. Cohen, Jr.

"Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents 1793-1857" by Walter Breen (purchase a copy by clicking on the title)