Designed by John Smith Gardner, it has a 23.5 millimeter diameter and weighs 5.44 grams. As with all of the Gallery Mint reproductions, this piece is true to the original specifications as to metallic content, weight and size. It has the word COPY stamped on it as required by the Hobby Protection Act of 1973, Section 304.6. It would make a great hole filler in any United States type collection until the resources for the original come along. The half cent coin is the least denomination of currency that has been issued by the United States Government. The original of this coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. The continued employment of the Lady Liberty design as opposed to the Presidential profile design represents an insistent adherence to the concept of the young nation as a Republic in the mold of the Enlightenment. The inclusion of the Liberty Cap on this coinage makes a further connection of the professed Republicanism of the nation to be revolutionary in nature. The stick on which hangs the cap can be seen as either a subtle instrument of proclamation (such as for hoisting the "Phrygian cap") or as a weapon of the common will. The Cap is known as the Liberty Cap, the Phrygian cap, or the red cap. The Liberty cap dates back to the time of the Roman empire and was worn by slaves during the ceremony marking their emancipation. The Liberty cap made a reappearance during the French Revolution and was not only worn by revolutionary fighters but was also hoisted aloft in celebration or protest much as a flag or placard. Half cent and one cent coins minted in Philadelphia beginning in 1796 possessed no edge lettering due to the thinning of the coinage resultant from Congressional Act of March 3, 1795 and Presidential proclamation of January 26, 1796 which reduced by copper content of coinage by approximately 12.5%.