Draped Bust Cent 1796—1807

The Draped Bust Cent is an iconic coin in American numismatic history. It was produced by the United States Mint from 1796 to 1807 and is known for its elegant design featuring the bust of Liberty.

The Draped Bust Cent was the second design used for the large cent, following the Chain Cent design of 1793. The Chain Cent design received criticism for its depiction of a chain linking the 15 individual states, as it was seen as a negative symbol of slavery. In response to the criticism, the United States Mint decided to redesign the cent.

The new design, known as the Draped Bust, was created by Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The obverse of the coin featured a bust of Liberty facing to the right, with her hair tied in a ribbon. The word "LIBERTY" was inscribed above her bust, and the date appeared below. The reverse of the coin featured a wreath encircling the words "ONE CENT" and the fractional denomination "1/100" at the center.

The Draped Bust Cent went through several modifications during its production. The initial design, used in 1796 and part of 1797, featured 15 stars on the obverse to represent the states of the Union at the time. However, as new states joined the Union, it became impractical to add stars for each one. Therefore, starting in mid-1797, the design was modified to have 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies, on the obverse.

In 1798, the reverse design of the Draped Bust Cent was changed. The wreath was replaced by a simpler design featuring a central stalk and leaves. The modified reverse design remained in use until the end of the Draped Bust Cent series in 1807.

Throughout its production, the Draped Bust Cent faced various challenges. Minting techniques of the time resulted in inconsistent quality, and the coins often suffered from weak strikes and planchet imperfections. Additionally, counterfeiting was a prevalent issue, leading to a decline in public confidence in the coin.

In 1808, the United States Mint introduced a new design for the cent, known as the Classic Head Cent, which replaced the Draped Bust design. However, the Draped Bust Cent holds a significant place in American numismatic history as one of the early designs of the United States cent series and a reflection of the country's formative years. Today, the Draped Bust Cents are highly sought after by collectors, with rare dates and varieties commanding high prices in the numismatic market.

Key Dates

1799: The 1799 Draped Bust Cent is considered one of the most important key dates in the series. It has a low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors. The 1799 cent comes in two major varieties: the "9 over 8" variety, where the underlying digit 8 is visible beneath the 9 in the date, and the normal "9" variety.

1796: The 1796 Draped Bust Cent holds a special place as the first year of issue for the series. It has a limited mintage and is quite rare. The 1796 cent is highly sought after by collectors, making it a key date.

1804: The 1804 Draped Bust Cent is another key date known for its scarcity. It has a low mintage, and surviving specimens are rare. Collectors prize the 1804 cent for its historical significance and rarity.

1802: The 1802 Draped Bust Cent is a highly desirable key date due to its low mintage and limited availability. It is challenging to find in high grades, making it sought after by collectors.

1803: The 1803 Draped Bust Cent is considered a key date due to its low mintage and rarity. It is highly sought after by collectors, especially in higher grades.