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
The 1796 Draped Bust Cent - LIHERTY Error is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series. 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 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.
