"liberty Cap" Large Cent ?

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,640
jpsned Pillar of the Community United States 2205 Posts	Posted 05/30/2011 6:28 pm Does anyone know the significance of a cap on a pole behind the face of Liberty? Seems like an odd visual device, especially for a coin. Edited by jpsned 05/30/2011 6:32 pm Report this Post to the Staff

Fuzzy317 Moderator United States 14463 Posts	Posted 05/30/2011 8:04 pm From a PCSG site Quote: Notes: The Liberty Cap design features a bust of a young Miss Liberty, her hair flowing freely, with a staff and cap over her left shoulder. The cap represents freedom -- hats such as this were given to slaves once they became free. The freedom cap was a popular symbol in America during the Revolutionary War, appearing on numerous buttons worn by patriots and soldiers. Miss Liberty represents the new American nation -- her presence on the coin was mandated by government officials. I guess that would mean that she has freedom for all Edited by Fuzzy317 05/30/2011 8:05 pm Report this Post to the Staff
delaner Pillar of the Community United States 870 Posts	Posted 05/31/2011 2:21 pm Yeah, it's a "Phrygian Cap", and it was actually something worn by freed slaves from ancient Rome. The French adopted the symbol during their revolution and it became a revolutionary symbol for the US, accordingly. You'll actually find it on "Seated Liberty" coins, as well. =) Report this Post to the Staff
delaner Pillar of the Community United States 870 Posts	Posted 05/31/2011 2:21 pm Oh, by the way, it's typically red. =) Report this Post to the Staff
jpsned Pillar of the Community United States 2205 Posts	Posted 06/01/2011 11:25 pm Thanks for the fascinating information, all. That's one thing I love about coins--you can learn so much about history (among other things) from them. Report this Post to the Staff
delaner Pillar of the Community United States 870 Posts	Posted 06/02/2011 1:32 pm jpsned - I just picked up a couple of 1723 Hibernia Halfpennies. Turns out Isaac Newton was supposed to be the comptroller for the minting! He passed the post on to his nephew, but... how cool is that? I know what you mean! =) Report this Post to the Staff
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