Lady Liberty is by no means an unknown figure in the United States, and she certainly has quite the presence in numismatics. However, she is a figure that is revered across the globe in different variations. With that sentiment, it should be no surprise that she is listed among the top 100 Women on Coins as compiled by Whitman Publishing. Author Ron Guth will help us explore her impact on our nation but also her reach during the most harrowing of times.
#11 – Liberty
Viewed as the female manifestation of freedom, the figure of Liberty goes all the way back to ancient times. To the Romans, she was Libertas. To the Greeks, she was Eleutheria. During both the French and American revolutions, Liberty became the face of coins as she was preferred over other monarchial portraits, according to Guth. An example of this was when Benjamin Franklin proposed to use her image in 1782 on the obverse of a medal that would commemorate the Battles of Saratoga and Yorktown, two American victories. This medal was referred to as the Libertas American medal and featured the head of Liberty with her hair flowing behind her. Cut to 1793 when the first United States coinage was struck and the Liberty Cap half cents and cents used this image for the design of the coins.
Since her first appearance on U.S. coins, her image has evolved over the years. Some portray her as a young woman; others reflect her in correlation to the time. Some designs show her head, others show down to her bust, and quite a few picture her complete figure either sitting or standing. More modern depictions, like the American Silver Eagle, showcase Liberty in a more powerful, dramatic fashion. No matter her portrayal, her representation remains reflective of the nation, and she is seen as a notable figure in our history and as a numismatic figure.
Collecting difficulty is rated easy all the way from ancient to modern coinage, according to Guth.