Rare 1796 US coin with distinctive 'pole' detail could fetch $625,000

A rare 1796 U.S. half-cent coin, known as the "Liberty Cap Right" series, has become a highly sought-after piece in the numismatic market, with its "With Pole" variant potentially fetching up to $625,000.

The key distinguishing feature of this valuable variant is a small pole extending behind the Liberty figure on the coin's obverse. This detail differentiates it from the scarcer "Without Pole" emissions, where the engraver omitted the pole supporting the Liberty cap.

According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), both 1795 and 1796 "With Pole" versions are considered scarce. The series represents some of the earliest copper coins minted by the U.S. Mint in the 1790s, a period that saw various technical modifications in coin production.

Beyond the "With Pole" detail, the coin's condition is paramount in determining its value. Specimens in Mint State (MS) condition, meaning they have seen little to no circulation, are the most prized by collectors and achieve record prices at international auctions.