Draped Bust Large Cent 1796 - 1807
Draped Bust Large Cent 1796 - 1807: identify, compare, and value
Use this page to identify details collectors compare, understand value clues, and check current market examples.
Value Guide Summary
Use this page to understand what this collectible is, what details collectors usually compare, and where to check current market examples.
What collectors look for
Original condition, age, maker marks, materials, completeness, unusual variants, and documented history usually matter most.
How to identify examples
Compare markings, construction details, finish, size, period-correct materials, and known design features before assuming authenticity.
Value clues
Rarity, demand, condition, eye appeal, provenance, and whether similar examples are actively selling can all affect market value.
Red flags
Watch for reproductions, heavy restoration, replaced parts, fantasy pieces, unclear photos, and listings with vague descriptions.
During the closing years of the 18th century, the one cent coin held unprecedented importance in American history. It served a crucial role in small transactions when foreign coins of various types were in circulation, making them less practical. However, the Mint encountered numerous challenges that hindered its ability to produce these vital coins effectively. Inadequate machinery, inexperienced employees, lack of funds, and frequent epidemics of yellow fever all contributed to the difficulties faced.
Interestingly, the cost of producing the one cent coin often exceeded its face value, highlighting the struggles faced by the Mint. At times, Congress even contemplated handing over coin production to private companies, considering the venture's apparent inefficiency.
The early years of the Philadelphia facility, which housed the Mint, were plagued by production issues and the scarcity of high-quality copper supplies. The metal used, often referred to as "black copper," was of inferior quality, resulting in coins that wore out quickly and were of poor overall quality. Consequently, the majority of the copper needed for coin production had to be imported from the Boulton & Watt Company in Liverpool, England.
The initial design for the one cent coin, created by Robert Scot in 1793, featured a flowing haired Liberty with a chain of thirteen links on the reverse. However, this design drew objections as it symbolized slavery and dominance, conflicting with Scot's intended message of unity. The chain was soon replaced by a wreath design. Over time, various artists contributed to the design, leading to the adoption of Scot's new Draped Bust design in July of 1796.
The Draped Bust design portrayed Liberty with flowing hair, a ribbon behind her head, and draped fabric at her neckline. The inscription "LIBERTY" appeared above the bust, with the date below. On the reverse side, the denomination "ONE CENT" was encircled by an open wreath composed of two olive branches tied with a bow. The phrase "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surrounded the wreath, and the fraction "1/100" was placed between the ends of the bow. Over time, the reverse design underwent some variations, mainly concerning the leaves and berries on the wreath.
Due to the manual process of punching lettering into the dies, numerous errors occurred during the production of these coins. Some notable errors include the "LIHERTY" blunder, where the "B" was mistakenly rotated 180 degrees before being corrected crudely. Another error was the "T" over "Y" mistake seen on coins from 1802. The spacing and positioning of the lettering and date also varied in different coins. On the reverse side, errors included displaying the wrong fraction, "1/000," which was later corrected. The letters "T" in "STATES" or "U" in "UNITED" were sometimes punched inverted and then corrected. Additionally, some coins had a large fraction punched over a small fraction or a stemless wreath.
Over the years between 1796 and 1807, more than sixteen million 
Draped Bust large cents (on eBay) were produced, creating a series with numerous scarce varieties. Among these, the 1799 issue stands out as particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors. Despite having a relatively high mintage, 1799 cents are elusive in all grades. There is an intriguing story linking their scarcity to a shipment of coins bound for Africa in exchange for slaves, which was lost at sea while being transported by a company in Salem, Massachusetts, adding to the coin's mystique and allure for collectors.