1796 Draped Bust Cent - LIHERTY Error
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$80,500 AU58 02-01-2008 Heritage Auctions
Description
Part of the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series, the 1796 Draped Bust Cent - LIHERTY Error is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 363,375 examples, making this the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 25% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing ONE CENT and fraction 1/100. First year of the Draped Bust design on the large cent. Both reverse types (LIHERTY and LIBERTY) exist, reflecting different die states and engraving errors. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $43K. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 28 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #1413.
External References
Error Varieties(2)
Other Strike Types in This Series
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