Whether you have some experience collecting large cents or are new to the hobby, you’ve probably heard about the extremely scarce 1799 Draped Bust large cent and are curious how much it might be worth. Our guide will take the guesswork out and explain everything you need to know about the 1799 large cent value.
You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the Draped Bust large cent, its standout features, and tips for grading your copper coins like an expert. You will also discover minting errors that are worth adding to any collection.
So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is the 1700 large cent worth?
1799 Large Cent Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1799 Large Cent Plain Edge Cent Value | $4,800 | $17,250 | $135,000 | $1,350,000 |
| 1799/8 Large Cent Lettered Edge Value | $5,400 | $30,500 | – | – |
History of the 1799 Large Cent
The United States Mint struck the large cent copper coin from 1793 to 1857 before it was replaced by the modern one-cent coin, also known as the penny.
Over the years of production, the large cent underwent several design changes. The initial design was the Flowing Hair cent with a chain reverse, which was shortly replaced by the Flowing Hair cent with a wreath reverse. The next design was the Liberty Cap cents, then the Draped Bust cents, Classic Head cents, Coronet cents, Matron Head, and the Braided Hair cents.
The 1799 large cents belong to the Draped Bust coin series, first minted from 1796 to 1807, and designed by Mint Engraver Robert Scot. Scot transformed a picture of a Philadelphia socialite by artist Gilbert Stuart into a more mature-looking and elegant Lady Liberty. In Scot’s new design, Liberty appears bustier and more feminine than in previous designs. The socialite after whom the portrait was modelled is believed to be Ann Willing Bingham, who was also the wife of the well-known statesman, William Bingham.
While the obverse design remained the same, the large cent’s reverse changed at least three times. The first design featured a wreath surrounding the coin’s denomination or value. The design changed again from 1799 to 1797, where a scrawny bald eagle was portrayed on the coin. In 1798, the small eagle design was replaced by the Heraldic eagle, with this new design known as the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle.
The 1799 large cent is one of the rarest in U.S. coin history and is highly sought after by collectors. When the modern penny replaced the large cents in 1857, collectors grew more interested in collecting the large cents, and they soon discovered that the 1799 and 1815 dates were scarce and difficult to collect. In particular, the 1815 date was difficult to find because no large cents were minted that year, while the 1799 large cents had a low mintage and none were saved, making them incredibly rare.
What’s more interesting about this date is that no Mint State coins were discovered until the early 20th century. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has graded this singular mint state large cent as MS61 brown. Previously belonging to the Dan Holmes collection, this one-of-a-kind collection is now valued in the millions of dollars.
In addition to the regular 1799 large cent, another variety is the 1799/8 overdate, which is equally rare and commands high, sometimes prohibitive prices. Collecting the 1799 large cent can be as rewarding as it is challenging, but all in all, this key date deserves a spot in any serious collection.
Also read: 12 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Worth Money
Features of the 1799 Large Cent
Next, we’ll explore the features of the 1799 large cent. By knowing the physical attributes, you can accurately authenticate and grade your copper coin and identify Draped Bust Large Cents that are worth money.
Here’s what to look out for:
Obverse of the 1799 Large Cent
The “heads” features the right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and some strands held back with a ribbon. She is adorned in drapery that highlights her bosom and emphasizes her femininity.
The word LIBERTY is etched above her portrait, while the date, 1799, is inscribed below.
Reverse of the 1799 Large Cent
The “tails” of the 1799 large cent feature a wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom. The wreath surrounded the coin’s value, inscribed as “ONE CENT” at the center of the coin.
The coin’s fractional representation, 1/100, is etched just below the ribbon, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed around the rim, occupying the entire coin’s circumference.
Like the obverse, the reverse side is decorated with small denticles around the rim.
Other Features of the 1799 Large Cent
Additional features of the 1799 large cent worth noting are:
- Diameter: 28.00 millimeters
- Weight: 10.89 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Metal Composition: Copper
Also read: 13 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Worth Money
1799 Large Cent Value Guides
Now, it’s time to find out: How much is the 1799 large cent worth? As one of the scarcest coins in U.S. history, the 1799 Draped Bust large cent commands significant premiums in all grades.
We’ll look at the two varieties of the 1799 large cent. These are:
- 1799 Normal Date Large Cent
- 1799/8 Overdate Large Cent
Let’s find out how much each is worth:
1799 Normal Date Large Cent Value
The Philadelphia Mint struck 42,540, a dramatic reduction in production from previous years, which saw mintages in the millions. The reason for this low mintage is unknown, but what is certain is that the 1799 large cents are some of the scarcest and most valuable in U.S. coinage history.
- Here’s what to expect when collecting 1799 normal date large cents:
Circulated Examples: These are rare in all grades and extremely rare in grades above Extremely Fine (XF). Many survivors are heavily worn but will still command high prices. In Poor/Average condition, examples can sell for as much as $2,850, while in grade Good (G), prices can almost double to $4,800. In Fine (F) condition, examples can fetch up to $17,250 while rare Extremely Fine (XF) pieces are worth as much as $135,000. As mentioned, 1799 large cents certified and graded XF are currently unknown. - Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples of the 1799 Draped Bust large cent are virtually unknown except for the single known survivor graded MS61. The market value of this lone specimen from the Dan Holmes collection fluctuates, although its value of $1,350,000 has remained unchanged for a few years now. The coin’s previous owners were Dr. William Sheldon and Ted Naftzger.
- Auction Record: In a record-shattering sale, Heritage Auctions sold an EF45 in 2008 for a remarkable $161,000, making this the most valuable circulated 1799 large cent.
1799/8 Overdate Large Cent Value
The exact number of 1799/8 overdates struck at the Philadelphia Mint is unknown, although this variety is scarcer than the normal date variety and therefore slightly more valuable.
The overdate “error” occurred when the 1799 date was punched on 1798 dies and used to strike new coins. As a result, hints of the number 8 appear underneath the last 9 on the 1799-dated large cents.
Here’s a breakdown of the value of a 1799/8 overdate large cent:
- Circulated Examples: These are extremely rare, and none finer than a Very Fine (VF) grade has been discovered to date. Examples will command significant premiums even in lower grades. For instance, in Poor/Average, examples can fetch as much as $3,000 and up to $5,400 in Good (G). Large cents graded (F) can sell for as much as $30,500, while extremely rare examples graded Very Fine (VF) can sell for as much as $44,000.
- Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples of the 1799/8 Draped Bust large cent are unknown presently. Any future discoveries will likely command high premiums.
- Auction Record: In 2005, Heritage Auctions sold a F15(Fine 15) for a whopping $89,125, making this the most valuable 1799/8 large cent to date.
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1799 Large Cent Grading
Most 1799 large cent survivors are heavily worn, therefore requiring careful grading. Start by assessing the coin for wear on high-contact points, specifically the date, LIBERTY, and Liberty’s hair details at the top of her head and behind her ear.
On the reverse, check the wreath details, including the leaves and ribbon at the bottom, and the inscription ONE CENT. These details will be weak and sometimes difficult to see or read in lower-grade coins. But even in lower grades, the date and denomination should be readable for the coin to be gradable.
In addition to this, evaluate the coin’s condition, including the edges for signs of damage, which usually point to a lower grade. Minor surface damage is expected, but it will significantly affect the coin’s monetary value. Lastly, pay attention to the color; copper cents with an original chocolate brown tone are more valuable than ones with extensive corrosion or are cleaned to appear red.
Check out this video for more tips on grading large cents.
Rare 1799 Large Cent Errors List
Draped Bust coinage, like others in the 19th and 20th centuries, was struck manually and therefore prone to several minting errors. Not all errors are worth anything or worth collecting, but some can increase your coin’s value and are deserving of a spot in any collection.
Here are some 1799 large cent errors worth looking out for:
1. 1799 Large Cent Obverse Cud Error
An error regularly seen in the 1700 Draped Bust large cent series is the cud error. This occurs when a piece of the die breaks off close to the rim, and metal flows in to fill the gap, resulting in a raised area that looks like a blob on the coin’s surface.
Cuds come in different shapes and sizes, but the larger, more dramatic ones tend to be more attractive and valuable to collectors. A cud error can be worth $50-$200 depending on its size and appearance. For instance, In 2008, a collector on eBay paid an impressive $5,000 for a 1799 large cent with a large obverse cud error.
2. 1799 Large Cent Reverse Die Break Error
A die break also occurs when the die’s surface breaks, and the void is filled with flowing metal when the coin is struck. When the flowing metal cools, the impression of the filled-in break is transferred to the coin’s surface.
A die break appears like a raised crack on the coin’s surface, and the size and shape can vary from coin to coin. Larger, eye-catching die breaks are generally more valuable than smaller, subtler ones. In 2005, Heritage Auctions sold a 1799 large cent graded Good (G) with a reverse die break error for $4,850.
3. 1799 Large Cent Off-Center Strike Error
Another error seen on 1799 Draped Bust large cents is the off-center strike, which occurs when the die strikes the planchet off-center.
The error occurs due to a misalignment between the die and planchet, resulting in the design on either side of the coin being pushed more toward the rim, which sometimes leads to a loss of parts of the design.
On Draped Bust coins, for example, an off-center strike might cause a loss of a portion of Liberty’s portrait or some of the leaves on the wreath on the reverse, and the inscriptions as well.
Off-center strike errors are quite dramatic and therefore sought-after by collectors. This error can add $50-$200 or more to the value of your coin, depending on the percentage of the off-center strike. For example, a 20% off-center strike will usually be more valuable than a 5% off-center strike. In 2010, an eBay collector paid $4,900 for a 1799 large cent graded Good (G) with a 25% off-center strike.
Also read: 11 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Errors
Where to Sell Your 1799 Large Cent?
Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
FAQs
How much is a penny from 1799 worth?
The value of a 1799 large cent, also known as a “penny,” depends on its condition and rarity. Circulated examples can sell for $2850 to $135,000 or more, while the single known uncirculated example is worth up to $1,350,000.
How many 1799 large cents were minted?
According to some numismatic accounts, the Philadelphia mint struck about 904,585 large cents in 1799, but it is also alleged that the majority of these coins were dated 1798 and released in 1799. The exact number of large cents dated 1799 is unknown, but is estimated to be about 42,540.
Where is the mintmark on 1799 large cents?
The 1799 large cent, like others in the Draped Bust large cent series, does not have a mintmark. As was the tradition, coinage mintage at the Philadelphia Mint didn’t have a mintmark.
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