1795 Large Cent Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Do you own a 1795 Large Cent and wonder how much this old coin might be worth? Maybe you’re looking to add this coin to your collection but are unsure whether it’s worth all the hype? Whether you’re buying or selling, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the 1795 Large Cent value.

We’ll walk you through the coin’s early history and unique features. You’ll also learn tips for grading your 1795 Liberty Cap cent like an expert and discover high-value minting errors worth adding to your collection.

Read on to find out: how much is a 1795 Large Cent worth?

1795 Large Cent Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1794 Large Cent Plain Edge Cent Value	$490	$1,150	$4,000	$57,500
1795 Large Cent Lettered Edge Value	$575	$1,250	$6,450	$58,000

 

 

History of the 1795 Large Cent

The Large Cent, also known as the Liberty Cap cent, is one of the earliest coins issued by the United States Mint. Designed by Joseph Wright, this coin was minted from 1793 to 1796 after replacing the short-lived Flowing Hair cents with a chain and wreath reverse.

The Flowing Hair cents were the first large cents produced by the Mint. But they were minted for only a few months in 1793 before the Mint replaced them following widespread criticism of the coins’ design.

In particular, the chain reverse large cent featured Liberty with frazzled hair, which, according to public opinion made her appear unattractive. The reverse design, which displayed a ring of an interlocked chain received even stronger criticism as it was viewed as representing slavery. The Mint caved into the intense pressure and replaced this design with the wreath reverse design.

Later in 1793, Mint Director David Rittenhouse asked Mint coiner Adam Eckfeldt to redesign the obverse and reverse designs of the large cent coin. This time, Liberty’s appearance was more feminine, with her wild hair tamed, and her looks made softer. On the reverse, a laurel wreath replaced the ring of chains. But this design was equally short-lived and was soon replaced by the Liberty Cap cent starting from late 1793.

Toward the end of 1795, the Mint reduced the weight of the Liberty Cap large cents, making them thinner than usual. This left no space for edge lettering, so a few 1795 large cents have edge lettering and the rest come with a plain edge. Interestingly, four specimens from 1795 have a reeded edge, making them extra special and in demand among collectors.

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Features of the 1795 Large Cent

Let’s now explore the features of the 1795 large cent. Like other old U.S. coins, this one can be prone to counterfeiting so it helps to familiarize yourself with the standout features. This way, you can easily authenticate and grade your coin, and even better, identify Liberty Cap large cents that might earn you a fortune.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1795 Large Cent

The coin’s front side shows a right-facing Liberty with gently flowing hair. A staff topped with a Phrygian cap lean over her left shoulder. Historically, the Phrygian hat has represented freedom, as it was worn by freed slaves.

The word LIBERTY is boldly inscribed above her in a slight arch along the rim. Meanwhile, the date, 1795, is shown at the bottom below the portrait. Tiny denticles decorate the rim.

Reverse of the 1795 Large Cent

The reverse shows an open wreath tied at the bottom with a ribbon.

The denomination, ONE CENT, is enclosed within the wreath while the corresponding fraction, 1/100, is positioned just below the ribbon.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched around the coin’s circumference. Like the reverse, the rim is decorated with tiny denticles.

Other Features of the 1795 Large Cent

Additional notable features include:

• Diameter: 28.00 millimeters
• Weight:89 grams
• Edge: Plain or Lettered: ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR
• Metal Composition: Copper

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1795 Large Cent Value Guides

Next, we’ll find out: Just how much is the 1795 large cent worth? The value of your 1795 large cent will depend mostly on its condition. There are slight differences in the value of lettered and plain edge specimens, which we’ll also look at. Overall, most 1795 large cent survivors are found in lower grade but the upside is that these coins can still command premium prices.

The two varieties of the 1795 Liberty cap cents we’ll explore are:

• 1795 Large Cent Plain Edge
• 1795 Large Cent Lettered Edge

1795 Large Cent Plain Edge Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck 501,500 plain edge large cents in 1795, a significantly high mintage at the time. Circulated survivors are relatively scarce but still collectible but Mint State examples are increasingly rare.

So, how much is a 1795 large cent with a plain edge? Here’s what to expect:

• Circulated Examples: These are generally scarce and most are heavily worn. The larger population is clustered around grades Fine (F) and Very Fine (VF) and very few are graded higher. Still, these worn specimens will command premium prices and remain in high demand. An example graded Poor/Average can sell for as much as $200, one graded Good (G) will bring in up to $490, while a Fine (F) large cent is worth about $1,150. A rare specimen graded Extremely Fine (XF) will command up to $4,000 while an even rarer About Uncirculated (AU58) will sell for at least $9,000. 
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated specimens are scarce to rare with the finest example graded MS65. These pieces can fetch high and sometimes prohibitive prices. For example, specimens graded MS60 will sell for as much as $9,750, an MS61 for $10,500 and an MS62 for up to $15,550. The finest examples graded MS65 can command prices of at least $57,500.
• Auction Record: In a record-shattering auction, Heritage Auctions sold an MS64BN for $24,687, making this the most valuable plain edge 1795 large cent to date.

1795 Large Cent Lettered Edge Value

Lettered edge large cents dated 1795 are fewer than their plain edge counterparts. The Philadelphia Mint struck only 37,000 of these pieces, making them relatively difficult to come across today, especially in higher grades.

Here’s what to expect when collecting 1795 lettered edge large cents:

• Circulated Examples: Surviving specimens are scarce to rare with the largest population falling under the grade Fine (F). Due to their scarcity, lettered edge large cents will generally be worth slightly more than their plain edge counterparts. Examples graded Poor/Average will sell for as much as $300, one graded Good (G) is worth about $575, and a Fine (F) will fetch up to $1,250. A rare Extremely Fine (XF) specimen will sell for at least $6,450 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will bring in up to $13,750.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are equally rare and command a premium. An example graded MS60 can sell for as much as $14,750, an MS62 for up to $17,500, and an MS64 as much as $58,000. Most examples are generally well-struck but few, if any, are finer than MS65.
• Auction Record: In 2008, Heritage Auctions sold an MS65 for a remarkable $80,500, making this the most expensive lettered edge 1795 large cent discovered so far.

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1795 Large Cent Grading

Grading a 1795 Large Cent can be challenging because many survivors are heavily worn, but the process can be equally rewarding. To get started, examine the coin’s surface and color. Surface damage such as scratches, dings and pitting can lower the coin’s grade. Darkening and corrosion are common in these early copper coins and may not necessarily point to a lower grade.

Next, pay attention to the extent of wear on high-contact points. On the obverse, examine Liberty’s hair and facial features, the date and inscription, LIBERTY.

Do the same for the reverse. Examine the wreath’s details including the leaves and berries, and the extent of wear on the inscription, ONE CENT. On lettered Large Cents, examine the lettering for visibility and readability.

Heavy wear, missing outlines, or weakness suggests a lower grade. Higher grade coins will show more detailed outlines and crisp features on both sides.

 

Rare 1795 Large Cent Errors List

Early coins such as the 1795 large cent were struck manually and in small quantities, which means that minting errors rarely occurred. That said, a few notable minting flaws do show up in this issue, some of which can be worth a premium.

Here are some of the minting errors worth collecting:

1. 1795 Large Cent Struck-Through Error

A struck-through or strike-through error occurs when a foreign object is accidentally struck between the die and planchet, leaving its impression on the coin’s surface.

Some of these foreign objects include grease drops, hair strands, strings, pieces of cloth, metal or wood specks, dust, and other debris. Sometimes, any of these can leave a unique impression on the coin’s surface, increasing its eye-appeal and demand among collectors.

In 2008, an eBay collector paid $900 for a plain edge 1795 large cent graded Very Good (VG) with an obverse struck-through error.

2. 1795 Large Cent Off-Center Strike Error

Another error that comes up in the 1795 Liberty Cap cent issue is the off-center strike. This occurs when the die strikes the planchet away from the center and more toward the edge, leaving more space on one side of the coin.

Off-center strikes usually happen due to a misalignment between the die and planchet. The greater the misalignment, the more dramatic the off-center strike, and the more valuable the error tends to be. For example, a 20% off-center strike will generally be more valuable than a 5% error.

In 2012, Stack’s Bower auctioned a 1795 Large Cent graded Very Fine (VF) with a 25% off-center strike error for an impressive $2,100.  

3. 1795 Large Cent Rotated Die Error

An error related to the off-center strike is the rotated die error, which occurs due to a misalignment between the obverse and reverse die.

Ideally, when striking the planchet, the dies will be upright and aligned. But a few times, one or both dies might be rotated at an angle, causing the design on either side of the planchet to be struck at an odd angle.

The value of a rotated die error depends on the degree of rotation. For example, a 40-degree rotated die error will generally be more valuable than a 10-degree rotated die error.

An eBay collector paid $1,300 for a rare lettered edge 1795 Large Cent graded Very Good (VG) with a 30% rotated die error.

4. 1795 Large Cent Doubled Die Error

One of the most common errors that show up in the Liberty Cap cent series is the doubled die. This error happens when the die strikes the planchet at different angles multiple times, resulting in visible doubling on the designs or inscriptions.

On some 1795 Large Cents, doubling might show on the word LIBERTY or the date. Liberty’s hair, nose and chin might also show some doubling.

The more intense or visible the doubling, the more valuable the error generally tends to be. In 2009, Stack’s Bower auctioned a 1795 Large Cent graded Good (G) with an obverse doubled die error for $700.

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Where to Sell Your 1795 Large Cent?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQs

How much is a 1795 large cent coin worth?

The value depends on the condition of the 1795 Large Cent. Higher grade specimens are worth more than their lower grade counterparts although most survivors in this series are graded as Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF). Generally, a 1795 large cent is worth between $200 on the lower side to as much as $58,000 for an extremely rare Mint State specimen.

Is a 1795 Large Cent rare?

The 1795 large cent is scarce to rare. After all, this coin was minted many years ago and many are lost or extremely damaged, leaving just a few survivors. Mint State examples and Gems are extremely rare but even circulated examples higher than Very Fine (VF) can be difficult to come by.

How many 1795 Large Cents were minted?

The Philadelphia Mint, the only one at the time, struck about 538,000 large cents in 1795. Today, there are far fewer large cents than the original mintage. While you can still come across 1795 Liberty Cap cents, many are heavily worn and can sometimes be difficult to grade.