Draped Bust Large Cent Values
How Much Draped Bust Large Cent
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1794 | BN | $1,203 | $2,240 | $3,320 | $8,440 | $13,750 | $25,850 | $50,900 | $125,000 | -- | $210,000 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1795 | BN | $630 | $1,195 | $2,313 | $6,210 | $13,040 | $27,750 | $50,350 | $66,100 | $93,500 | $150,000 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1795 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $83,750 | $165,000 | $258,500 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1797 | BN | $1,043 | $1,500 | $1,915 | $7,500 | $8,875 | $12,725 | $20,250 | $31,000 | $50,750 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1797 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $27,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | LIHERTY | BN | $2,065 | $3,555 | $5,950 | $15,500 | $22,625 | $60,000 | -- | -- | $150,000 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | LIHERTY | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $140,000 | -- | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Rev of 1795, Plain Edge | BN | $873 | $1,710 | $3,115 | $8,600 | $24,350 | $57,250 | $52,500 | $60,000 | $90,500 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Rev of '95, Gripped Edge | BN | $593 | $918 | $1,590 | $4,550 | $13,425 | $30,700 | $53,750 | $64,000 | $82,500 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Draped, Reverse of 1794 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Rev of 1797, Stems | BN | $403 | $743 | $1,253 | $2,635 | $4,575 | $8,945 | $14,800 | $26,495 | $35,150 | $60,250 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Rev of 1797, Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17,600 | $21,800 | $110,995 | $112,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Rev of 1797, No Stems | BN | $590 | $935 | $1,900 | $8,300 | $17,150 | $42,500 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 1st Hair Style | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $67,500 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 2nd Hair Style | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $30,800 | $72,000 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 2nd Hair Style | BN | $295 | $551 | $765 | $1,845 | $3,408 | $10,250 | $18,450 | $36,525 | $66,050 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1795 | BN | $600 | $860 | $2,585 | $6,940 | $10,275 | $16,375 | $37,250 | $54,500 | $110,000 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 1st Hair Style | BN | $304 | $522 | $988 | $2,145 | $4,525 | $12,750 | $31,950 | $39,500 | $57,500 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1795 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $21,500 | $43,500 | $50,000 | $115,000 | -- |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $653 | $1,140 | $2,080 | $4,390 | $9,550 | $31,400 | $62,800 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $11,450 | $20,600 | $32,300 | $173,750 | $272,500 | $520,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1799/8 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $16,700 | $28,200 | $51,250 | $195,000 | $346,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $212 | $389 | $725 | $2,890 | $4,165 | $12,180 | $20,800 | $24,750 | $56,500 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17,000 | $25,850 | $54,350 | $109,250 | -- |
| 1800/1798 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $270 | $553 | $1,110 | $4,800 | $7,300 | $14,625 | $37,250 | $48,250 | $77,250 | -- |
| 1800/1798 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $125,000 | -- |
| 1800/79 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $218 | $399 | $775 | $3,075 | $5,040 | $15,500 | $41,950 | $58,250 | -- | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | 3 Errors Reverse | BN | $730 | $1,590 | $3,575 | $11,525 | $24,600 | $60,750 | $135,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | 1/000 | BN | $307 | $545 | $1,015 | $3,995 | $5,390 | $15,500 | $30,750 | $39,950 | $55,000 | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | 100/000 | BN | $428 | $753 | $1,360 | $5,475 | $11,750 | $43,050 | $55,000 | $66,000 | $93,500 | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70,000 | -- | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $220 | $377 | $547 | $2,130 | $3,885 | $10,650 | $16,100 | $29,350 | $27,500 | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $40,000 | $65,000 | $77,500 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | 100/000 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $58,500 | $74,500 | $85,800 | $121,000 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $179 | $298 | $487 | $1,350 | $2,010 | $6,155 | $13,700 | $19,800 | $35,700 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $21,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 | $85,995 |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | 1/000 | BN | $295 | $518 | $739 | $2,065 | $4,440 | $12,050 | $26,000 | $36,850 | $55,000 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | 1/000 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $82,500 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | No Stems | BN | $223 | $362 | $578 | $1,330 | $2,820 | $13,600 | $20,300 | $32,750 | -- | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $14,000 | $30,000 | $55,000 | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Lg Frac | BN | $17,150 | $23,250 | $43,000 | $101,250 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $42,500 | -- | $150,000 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | No Stems | BN | $220 | $439 | $572 | $1,500 | $2,490 | $10,400 | $20,650 | $32,750 | $45,000 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Sm Fraction | BN | $433 | $1,200 | $2,335 | $8,750 | $12,850 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | 100/000 | BN | $401 | $603 | $1,078 | $2,710 | $4,850 | $12,000 | $30,850 | $85,995 | $66,000 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Lg Fraction | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,500 | $16,600 | $31,300 | $40,550 | $62,750 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Lg Fraction | BN | $176 | $320 | $509 | $1,323 | $1,845 | $6,100 | $14,525 | $22,700 | $32,100 | $46,350 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Sm Fraction | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $66,500 | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Sm Fraction | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17,650 | $27,400 | $62,500 | $82,500 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Sm Fraction | BN | $141 | $325 | $475 | $1,223 | $2,178 | $7,475 | $14,030 | $18,700 | $35,700 | $57,500 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4,300 | $6,285 | $10,075 | $24,200 | $43,250 | $240,000 | $572,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $173 | $296 | $519 | $1,343 | $2,400 | $5,975 | $16,930 | $22,400 | $44,000 | $165,000 |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $62,500 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $67,500 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $175 | $417 | $613 | $1,803 | $2,835 | $7,280 | $25,450 | $31,750 | $52,000 | -- |
| 1807/6 | (None) Phil | Small 7 | BN | $4,355 | $14,400 | $24,250 | $58,000 | $90,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1807/6 | (None) Phil | Large 7 | BN | $246 | $482 | $710 | $1,390 | $3,540 | $8,850 | $24,750 | $77,995 | $67,300 | $140,000 |
| 1807/6 | (None) Phil | Large 7 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $35,125 | -- | -- | $150,000 |
| 1807/6 | (None) Phil | Large 7 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $497,500 |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Small Fraction | BN | $273 | $833 | $2,075 | $10,650 | $26,350 | $48,000 | $54,350 | $71,900 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Fraction | BN | $163 | $288 | $510 | $1,275 | $2,350 | $7,550 | $16,650 | $27,850 | $41,350 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Large Fraction | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $30,300 | $52,000 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Comet | BN | $323 | $600 | $1,470 | $3,150 | $6,575 | $20,000 | $27,550 | $37,750 | $48,250 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | Comet | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75,250 | -- |
Overview
The Draped Bust Large Cent, minted from 1796 to 1807, is one of the earliest and most historically significant U.S. coins. Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse displays a simple wreath encircling “ONE CENT.” Collectors prize Draped Bust Large Cents for their scarcity, early American heritage, and artistic design, making them an essential part of U.S. numismatic collections.
History of the Draped Bust Large Cent
The Draped Bust Large Cent was introduced in 1796, replacing the Flowing Hair Large Cent, as part of an effort to refine U.S. coinage designs. Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, is believed to have based the Draped Bust Liberty on a portrait of socialite Ann Willing Bingham, who was considered a symbol of grace and beauty in early America.
During its production, the Draped Bust Large Cent was struck with two distinct reverse designs:
- 1796-1807 Wreath Reverse – Features a laurel wreath encircling “ONE CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
- 1797-1807 Heraldic Eagle Reverse (for the Half Cent, not the Large Cent) – Although Large Cents did not adopt the Heraldic Eagle design, this period modified the coin’s lettering and spacing.
By 1808, the Classic Head Large Cent replaced the Draped Bust Large Cent, marking another stylistic evolution in early American coinage.
Collecting Draped Bust Large Cent Coins
Collectors seek Draped Bust Large Cents for their early U.S. Mint history, variety of design changes, and key date rarities. Due to early minting challenges, many examples exhibit weak strikes, planchet imperfections, and wear, making problem-free specimens especially valuable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1796 “LIHERTY” Error – A rare variety where “LIBERTY” is misspelled due to a defective die.
- 1799 Draped Bust Large Cent – One of the rarest and most valuable dates, as only a few examples exist.
- 1800/1798 Overdate – A notable overdate variety where an 1800 date was punched over a 1798 die.
- 1802 “Stemless Wreath” – A variety missing the stem in the wreath on the reverse.
- 1804 Draped Bust Large Cent – A scarce date in all grades, highly sought after.
Additionally, collectors look for strongly struck examples with sharp details in Liberty’s hair and the wreath, as weak strikes were common in early U.S. coinage.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Draped Bust Large Cents are scarce and typically found at major coin auctions, numismatic conventions, and reputable coin dealers.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for bold date numerals, sharp wreath definition, and minimal planchet flaws.
- Proper Storage: Store high-grade Draped Bust Large Cents in certified holders or temperature-controlled safes to protect them from oxidation and environmental damage.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1799 Draped Bust Large Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. cents, with only a handful known to exist. Additionally, the 1804 issue is considered one of the most desirable dates in the series due to its low mintage and scarcity.
Investment Potential
The Draped Bust Large Cent is a top-tier investment coin due to its extreme rarity, early U.S. Mint history, and collector demand. Key issues such as the 1799 and 1804 Large Cents continue to appreciate in value. Well-documented pedigrees and problem-free examples command the highest premiums.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1796 “LIHERTY” Error – A rare misspelled variety.
- 1799 Draped Bust Large Cent – One of the rarest and most valuable cents.
- 1800/1798 Overdate – A key overdate error.
- 1802 “Stemless Wreath” – A notable design variation.
- 1804 Draped Bust Large Cent – Highly desirable due to its rarity.
Notable Errors
- Weak Strikes – Many coins from this era exhibit incomplete designs due to minting difficulties.
- Overdates (e.g., 1800/1798) – Features repunched date numerals, indicating die reuse.
- Planchet Cracks & Flaws – Many early copper cents show surface irregularities due to primitive refining techniques.
- Clashed Dies – Some Draped Bust Large Cents exhibit details from the obverse appearing faintly on the reverse due to die clashes.
Design Features
The Draped Bust Large Cent, designed by Robert Scot, features:
- Obverse: A left-facing Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing freedom and strength.
- Reverse: A wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
Key design modifications include:
- 1796 Introduction of the Draped Bust: A shift from the more straightforward Flowing Hair design.
- 1799-1804 Refinements: Minor adjustments to lettering and spacing to improve readability.
Conclusion
The Draped Bust Large Cent is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a rare glimpse into the origins of the U.S. Mint and early copper coin production. With its low mintage, extreme rarity, and historical significance, this series remains among U.S. history’s most prestigious and valuable coins. Understanding its rarities, condition challenges, and market trends is essential for collectors and investors seeking to acquire Draped Bust Large Cents.
