1801 Draped Bust Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1801 Draped Bust Cent is a United States cent from the Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series — 6th of 12 years in the series. In 1801, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.5 million. This ranks 8th 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 identified 4 known die varieties for this date, including cud. Struck two years after the 1799 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $223 to $6.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $138K in MS63 grade at Heritage Auctions. 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.
