1796 Large Cent Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

The year 1796 was the last time the United States Mint struck the Liberty Cap design. By this time, interest in the coin had waned, reflected by this date’s low mintage. Whether you want to sell or buy, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the 1796 Large Cent value.

We’ll walk you through the coin’s origins, its physical characteristics, and reveal tips for grading your cent like a pro. You will also discover a few minting errors that can add value to your coin set.

If you’re still on the edge about whether this coin is worth a spot in your collection, we’ll help you make a smart decision. So, let’s jump in and find out: What is the value of a 1796 Large cent? Is it worth collecting?

1796 Large Cent Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1796 -No Mint Mark Large Cent Value	$550	$1,550	$6,900	$190,000

 

 

History of the 1796 Large Cent  

The 1796 Large Cent is part of the Liberty Cap coin series struck by the United States Mint from 1793 to 1796, after which it was replaced by the popular Draped Bust large cent design.

The Liberty Cap design itself had replaced the short-lived Chain cent and Wreath cent, which had been widely criticized and only circulated for a few months before the Mint gave in to the pressure to replace them.

Minted for three consecutive years, the Liberty Cent appears to have been slightly more popular than its two predecessors. In 1795, the Mint reduced the planchet’s thickness, making it hard to inscribe edge lettering, so Large Cents from 1795 to 1796 do not have any edge lettering.

Numerous dies were used to strike the Liberty Cap cents, resulting in equally numerous varieties. The 1796 Large Cent alone has more than ten known die varieties, some of which are rare and may be highly valuable.

A standout feature of the 1796 Large Cent is the “LIHERTY” variety, resulting from a B being struck over an inverted B, making the letter appear like an H. This is among the rarest and most sought-after die varieties in the 1796 issue of the Liberty Cap cent.

As one of the earliest coins struck by the Mint, the 1796 Large Cent is an important addition to any collection. Its historical and sentimental value make this coin worth collecting.

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Features of the 1796 Large Cent  

Next, we’ll look at the standout features of the 1796 Large Cent. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can accurately grade and authenticate your coin, and spot Large Cents or Liberty Cap cents worth money.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1796 Large Cent

The “heads” side features a portrait of a right-facing Lady Liberty with flowing hair, a staff, and a Phrygian cap over her left shoulder.

The word LIBERTY is inscribed above her just along the rim, while the date, 1796, appears below her profile. Numerous small denticles decorate the rim.

Reverse of the 1796 Large Cent

The “tails” displays a wreath tied at the bottom with a ribbon. The denomination, spelled out as ONE CENT, is encircled by the wreath while the corresponding fraction representation, 1/100, is nestled just underneath the ribbon.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed around the coin’s circumference. And, similar to the obverse, the reverse rim is decorated with tiny denticles.

Other Features of the 1796 Large Cent  

Additional features of the 1796 Large Cent include:

• Diameter:00 millimeters
• Weight: 89 grams
• Edge Lettering: None
• Metal Composition: Copper

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1796 Large Cent Value Guides

So, what is the market value of a 1796 Large Cent? This depends on factors such as the coin’s condition and rarity. The Philadelphia Mint struck about 109,825 Liberty Cap cents in 1796, which was a slightly lower mintage than in previous years. Survivors are few and far between, especially in higher grades.

Here’s a look at the values of the 1796 Liberty Cap cent:

• Circulated Examples: These are scarce to rare and will fetch high prices even in lower grades. So small is the population of circulated survivors that even examples graded Poor/Average will sell for as much as $450. Prices double for pieces graded Very Good (VG), which can fetch up to $915, while rare Extremely Fine (XF) examples will command as much as $6,900. About Uncirculated (AU58) examples, which are difficult to find, will bring in up to $27,000 or more.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1796 Large Cents are extremely rare—you’d be lucky to come across even a lower-grade example. At MS60, pieces can command up to $29,750, an MS61 up to $30,600, while an MS63 is worth at least $62,500. Gems graded MS65 are also very rare and will therefore command high premiums of as much as $190,000.
• Auction Record: In 2009, Goldberg Auctioneers sold an MS66 for a record-breaking price of $207,000, making this one of the most valuable Large Cents in the 1796 series.

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1796 Large Cent Grading

Grading an early coin, such as the Large Cent series, involves examining high contact points for wear. Compare your coin to authentic examples or similar images from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

On the obverse, pay attention to Liberty’s hair, especially the bit above her forehead, as well as the folds on the Phrygian cap, which are the first spots to wear. Lower grades will show extensive wear, while these details will be crispier or sharper on higher grade pieces.

On the reverse, examine the laurel wreath and small berries. Crispy details, including leaf veins, point to a higher grade. Wear also appears on the inscription, ONE CENT. The more worn or faded the words are, the lower the coin’s grade.

In addition, inspect the surface quality for signs of damage such as dings, scratches, and cleaning marks, which are usually present on lower-grade coins. Higher grade examples have the original mint luster that provides the coin a bright, reflective shine.

Lastly, pay attention to the strike quality, which will usually be weak on lower-grade coins and strong on higher-grade examples. That said, due to age and environmental damage, even high-grade Large Cents may sometimes appear to have a weak strike.

 

Rare 1796 Large Cent Errors List

Because they were struck by hand, early coins such as the 1796 Large Cent have very few minting errors. That said, some errors do come up in this series and can add value to your coin.

Here are some worth looking out for:

1. 1796 Large Cent Struck-Through Error

Small foreign objects can sometimes come between the die and planchet, leaving their impression on the coin’s surface and causing a struck-through error. Examples include dust particles, grease, hair strands, strings, as well as wood or metal chips.

The more dramatic and unique the struck-through error, the more valuable it generally is. In 2012, an eBay collector paid $1,600 for a 1796 Large cent graded Fine (F) with a reverse struck-through error.

2. 1796 Large Cent Off-Center Strike Error

Another minting error seen on 1796 Large cents is the off-center, which happens due to a misalignment between the die and planchet during striking. This results in the design being struck away from the center and more toward the coin’s edge, leaving one side of the coin with more space while the design is shifted to the other side.

The value of an off-center error depends on the extent of the misalignment. For example, a 30% off-center strike will generally be more dramatic, eye-catching, and valuable than one with a 10% misalignment.

In 2009, Heritage Auctions sold a 1796 Large cent graded Fine (F) with a 35% off-center strike error for an impressive $1850.

3. 1796 Large Cent Doubled Die Error

Doubled die errors are also common on hand-made coins and occur when the die punches the planchet severally at slightly different positions. This results in visible doubling or a ghost outline around the design elements and inscriptions. Check for doubling on the word LIBERTY and the date, 1796, on the obverse and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the reverse.

Generally, the stronger or more visible the doubling, the more valuable the error. Because early coins are heavily worn, you might need magnification to notice a doubled die error.

In 2020, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a rare 1796 Large Cent graded Very Fine (VF) with an obverse doubled die error for an impressive $3,200, making this a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Errors

 

Where to Sell Your 1796 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 1796 Large Cent worth?

The value of a 1796 Large Cent ranges between $450 and $190,000, depending on the coin’s condition. Examples are scarce across all grades, but you can expect high prices even on worn pieces.

Do 1796 Large Cents exist today?

Yes. A few survivors exist today, although the population is considerably small.  Even worn examples can be hard to come by, and Mint State and Gem examples are hardly seen. The truth is, you will have to look far and wide to find a 1796 Large Cent, even one with a lower grade. The upside is that these coins are valuable even in lower grades, so if you find one, it might be worth a fortune.

Is a 1796 Large Cent silver?

No. A 1796 Large Cent is made from copper. To authenticate your coin, compare it to high-quality photos of genuine cents from the NGC or PCGS. Check that the key features, such as diameter and weight, are a match. The edge should be plain and will typically be slightly uneven, as these early coins are hand-made. You can also perform the magnet test to see if your coin sticks. Copper isn’t magnetic, so a real 1796 Large cent should not stick.