Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807

About This Series

Robert Scot's engraving of the Draped Bust portrait — attributed to Gilbert Stuart's drawing of Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham — produced one of the most elegant large cent designs in the denomination's history. The series spans twelve years with both Small Eagle (1796 only, shared with the final Liberty Cap reverse die combination) and Heraldic Eagle reverse types, though the wreath reverse remained standard for the cent denomination. Sheldon's landmark 1949 reference, Early American Cents, established the variety numbering system (S-1, S-2, etc.) that remains definitive, cataloging scores of die marriages across this prolific series. These large copper coins (29mm, 10.89 grams) saw heavy circulation, and surviving examples span an enormous condition range from barely identifiable AG specimens to rare uncirculated pieces with original mint red. The 1799 is the premier key date, with a mintage of 42,540 making it one of the most valuable large cents. Notable die varieties — including the 1796 LIHERTY error and the 1801 three-error reverse (1/000, ONE CENT reading upside down) — sustain vigorous variety collecting. Draped Bust cents remain one of the most intellectually rewarding series in American numismatics, combining art history, die analysis, and early American economic history.

Series Information