1797 Draped Bust Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1797 Draped Bust Cent is a United States cent from the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series — the second year of the series. In 1797, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 3.6 million. This ranks 6th of 12 years by total mintage, below the series median of 3.9 million. 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. Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in copper, weighing 10.89 grams, 28 mm in diameter. Struck two years before the 1799 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $376 to $8.6K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $69K in MS66 grade at Stack's. Designed by Robert Scot.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(4)
1797 Draped Bust Cent - Reverse of 1795, Gripped Edge
1797 Draped Bust Cent - Reverse of 1795, Plain Edge
1797 Draped Bust Cent - Reverse of 1797, No Stems
