1798 Draped Bust Cent - First Hair Style

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1798

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807

Designer

Robert Scot

Mintage (whole issue)

1,841,745

Composition

Copper

Weight

10.89g

Diameter

28mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$217 - $3,083

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $48,875
Sold: 4 August 2012
Grade: MS63
Auction house: Stack's Bowers

Description

A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1798 Draped Bust Cent - First Hair Style belongs to the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series. Philadelphia struck 1,841,745 cents dated 1798 across both hair styles; how many show the First Hair Style is not recorded. The Mint's report for calendar 1798 gives 979,700 cents; the larger date figure includes about 862,045 delivered in 1799. 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. Cataloged as PCGS #1431.