1798 Draped Bust Cent

About This Coin

The 1798 Draped Bust Cent is a United States cent from the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series — 3rd of 12 years in the series. In 1798, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.5 million. This ranks 9th of 12 years by total mintage, above 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, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 13 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including cud, split die. Struck one year before the 1799 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $217 to $104K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $207K in MS65 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by Robert Scot.