A rare 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent that had been hidden for generations was found this spring. It was an amazing find that shocked the world of numismatics. Linda Brooks, a retired librarian from Virginia who is 67 years old, found the thing while she was cleaning out the garage of her late uncle. She found a small wooden case with a few old coins among the dusty boxes of books and other things.
Linda thought at first that the coins were just old keepsakes. One, though, stood out: it was a small, dark-colored copper coin with an early American image on it. She took it to a local coin dealer because she was interested. The buyer quickly realized she was holding a very rare 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent, which is an important piece of early U.S. history.
Later, a few weeks later, in May 2025, at a well-known sale, the coin shocked everyone by selling for $21,600.
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The Story of the Liberty Cap Half Cent from 1794
When it was first released in 1793, the Half Cent was one of the very first coins made by the U.S. Mint. The famous Liberty Cap design on the 1794 version was made by engraver Robert Scot. On the front, Lady Liberty is facing right and wearing a soft cap, which stands for freedom and independence. On the back, there is a simple but beautiful flower with the words “Half Cent” written in it.
The fact that this coin was only made in small amounts makes it very rare. In 1794, only a small number were made, and even fewer are still around today in good enough shape to be collected. For coin fans, the 1794 Half Cent is more than just money; it’s a physical link to the early days of America.
A Simple Breakdown of the 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent
To better understand the attributes of the 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent, here’s a simple chart summarizing its key details:
| ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Year | 1794 |
| Mint Mark | None (Philadelphia) |
| Type | Regular Strike (Circulation) |
| Mintage | ~150,000 |
| Material | 100% copper |
| Weight | 5.44 grams |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Edge | Plain or lettered (“TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR”) |
| Obverse Design | Liberty facing right, wearing a liberty cap |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding “HALF CENT” |
| Special Notes | Low mintage; early American coinage |
Upstairs, There’s a Secret Treasure
The coin sat in Linda’s uncle’s things for decades without being seen. The family thought it was just an old metal token and didn’t know what it really meant.
Linda said, “It was hidden away with some letters from the Civil War and family heirlooms. I almost gave it to a grandchild for a history project at school. No, thank God I didn’t!”
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Auction High Points
People were very excited when the coin was shown at the sale in May 2025. People from all over the country wanted to claim such an important and rare item.
The first bid was $5,000, but it went up quickly as serious buyers pushed the price higher. The gavel finally fell at $21,600, bid by a private collector who wished to stay anonymous. It was an exciting back-and-forth.
Why Collectors Put So Much Value on It
Money experts say that people value coins like the 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: This is one of the first drawings for a U.S. coin.
- Scarcity: Not many of them are still in good shape.
- Symbolism: The Liberty Cap is a well-known and loved symbol of the American fight for freedom.
This coin is a valuable addition to any advanced collection because it is rare, has a lot of history, and is beautifully made.
A Surprise That Changes Your Life
Linda’s surprise fortune has made her happy and helped her with her money. She is going to use some of the money to fix up her house and save some for the future of her grandkids.
She said, “I had no idea that an old coin from the attic could be worth that much. It seems like my uncle left us a gift before he died.”
A Friendly Reminder for Families and Collectors
This amazing find shows how important it is to check family heirlooms and items that have been put away for a long time. A rare coin like the 1794 Liberty Cap Half Cent can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Most old coins are only worth what they mean to the person who owns them.
Linda’s story shows that history’s hidden gems are sometimes closer than you think—hidden in a closet, a drawer, or a box, ready to be found again.
