1797 Large Cent Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Are you building a Draped Bust large cent coin series? If so, the 1797 large cent value might pique your interest. As the second-year issue, this early coin is highly sought-after. Today, only a few survivors exist, and as you might already guess, these old cents command a premium across all grades, making them a valuable addition to your collection.

Curious to learn more about the value of the 1797 large cent? This guide will walk you through the coin’s fascinating history, its key features, and how to authenticate and grade your large cent like a pro. If you like to collect minting errors, you’ll discover notable ones that are worth a spot in your collection.

So, without any further ado, let’s find out: how much is a 1797 large cent worth?

1797 Large Cent Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1797 Stems Large Cent Value	$275	$825	$2,300	$62,500
1797 No Stems Large Cent Value	$350	$985	$4,750	$14,000

 

 

History of the 1797 Large Cent

The large cent was a United States coin minted by the U.S. Mint from 1793 to 1857 before the penny replaced it. Over the years, several designs of the large cent were produced, starting with the Flowing Hair cents, chain reverse (1793), the Flowing Hair cents, wreath reverse (1793), Liberty Cap cents (1793-1796), Draped Bust cents (1796-1807), Classic Head cents (1808-1814), and finally, the Coronet cents (1815-1857).

The 1797 large cent belongs to the Draped Bust coin series minted from 1796 to 1907. After intense public criticism of the Flowing Hair design and the Liberty Cap design, the Mint gave in to the pressure to redesign the silver and copper coins.

For the new coins, U.S. Chief Engraver Robert Scot used a portrait of a socialite by artist Gilbert Stuart. The socialite is believed to be Ann Willing Bingham, wife to statesman William Bingham and a popular figure in the Philadelphia social scene.

There are three reverse designs of the Draped Bust coin series. The first, only seen on copper coins, and to which the 1797 large cent belongs, shows the coin’s denomination encircled in a wreath. The second design, seen only on silver coins, displays a small bald eagle and is known as the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design. This design was changed in 1798 when the bald eagle was replaced by a larger, more majestic Heraldic eagle, and is known as the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle design.

When collecting 1797 large cents, collectors pay attention to the so-called “stem” and “no-stem” varieties. On two dies, the engraver did not include stems pointing downward from the wreath knot (no stem variety), but this detail was added in the remaining dies (stem variety).

The 1797 issue of the Draped Bust large cent is scarce to rare in all grades and makes a valuable addition to any collection.

Also read: 12 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Worth Money

 

Features of the 1797 Large Cent

Next, we’ll look at the physical characteristics of the 1797 large cent. By understanding these features, you can grade your copper coins better, authenticate more accurately, and collect Draped Bust large cents worth money.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1797 Large Cent

The obverse features the portrait of a right-facing Liberty with flowing hair, with some strands held in a ribbon. Unlike previous designs, the Lady Liberty on Draped Bust large cents is bustier and more mature; she is dressed in drapey clothing that highlights her bosom.

The word LIBERTY is etched at the top while the date, 1797, is shown at the bottom. The rim is decorated with numerous tiny denticles all around.

Reverse of the 1797 Large Cent

The reverse displays an olive wreath daintily tied at the bottom with a ribbon. The wreath encircles the denomination, inscribed at the center, as ONE CENT.

The denomination’s fractional representation, 1/100, is wedged just below the ribbon while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed around the coin’s circumference. Similar to the obverse, small denticles decorate the rim on the reverse.

Other Features of the 1797 Large Cent

Additional features worth noting include:

• Diameter:28.00 millimeters
• Weight: 10.89 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Metal Composition: Copper

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Worth Money

 

1797 Large Cent Value Grades 

So, how much is a 1797 Draped Bust large cent? The value depends on the coin’s condition and rarity. Other factors, such as the die variety and minting errors, can also affect the coin’s worth.

The 1797 large cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only minting facility at the time. With about 897,510 cents minted, this date had a relatively high mintage compared to the years that followed. That said, many of these coins were lost or damaged, leaving only a few survivors.

Circulated 1797 large cents are categorized into “stem’ and “no stem” varieties, with the no stem type being the scarcer of the two types and therefore more valuable.

Whether you’re selling or buying a 1797 large cent, here are the values to expect:

• Circulated Examples, Stems Variety: In Poor/Average condition, a 1797 large cent with stems can sell for as much as $165, in Good (G), it can fetch up to $275, and as much as $825 in Fine (F) condition. Extremely Fine (XF) examples are rare and can command up to $2,300, while rarer About Uncirculated (AU58) examples can sell for at least $6,250.
• Mint State Examples, Stems Variety: Uncirculated examples of the stem variety are scarce to rare across all grades, but gems are genuinely difficult to find. In MS60, expect as much as $7,250 while in MS63 examples can sell for up to $12,500 and as much as $17,500 in MS64. Examples in MS65 and higher are extremely rare, commanding prices as high as $28,750 and up to $62,500 for Gems in MS66.
• Auction Record, Stems Variety: In a record-breaking sale in 2007, Stack’s Bowers auctioned an MS66 for an impressive $69,000.

Now let’s look at the value of the “no stems” variety:

• Circulated Examples, No Stems Variety: In Poor/Average condition, a 1797 large cent without stems on the reverse is worth about $200, while in Good (G), it can sell for up to $350, and as much as $985 in Fine (F) condition. Extremely Fine (XF) examples are equally rare and can sell for up to $2,300, while About Uncirculated (AU55) examples, which are even harder to find, can fetch as much as $14,000.
• Mint State Examples, No Stems Variety: Uncirculated examples of the no-stems variety are very few, if any. The closest that survivors get to is the About Uncirculated condition, and none finer than this has been graded or certified.
• Auction Record, No Stems Variety: In a record-shattering sale in 2006, Heritage Auctions sold an AU55 for a remarkable $48,875, making this among the most valuable 1797 large cents.

Also read: 17 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money

 

1797 Large Cent Grading

Grading a 1797 Draped Bust large cent entails examining the wear, surface condition, and color. Evaluate the high contact points, including Liberty’s hair on the forehead and at the back, her cheekbones, and the date. On the reverse, evaluate the leaves, stems and the inscriptions, ONE CENT and UNITED STATES.

Weak, barely visible details and flat outlines on the high contact areas point to a lower grade. Higher grades will show little to no wear, a fuller strike, and bolder outlines.

This being a copper coin, it is also important to examine the color and surface. An authentic copper coin will show a brown, dark chocolate, or olive toning. Be wary if a coin appears cleaned or heavily corroded, as its value might be drastically lowered. Higher grade 1797 large cents will have few to no surface damages, instead boasting a shiny, flawless tone and surface. 

 

Rare 1797 Large Cent Errors List

Struck manually, the 1797 large cent, like other issues in the Draped Bust series, has many minting errors. Not all of the minting errors are worth collecting, but some can significantly boost your coin’s value.

Here are some 1797 large cent errors worth money:

1. 1797 Large Cent Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike error is one in which the design is struck slightly away from the coin’s center due to a misalignment between the die and planchet.

The value of an off-center strike error depends on the extent of the misalignment. For example, a 20% off-center strike would generally be more valuable than a 5% off-center strike.

In 2008, a collector on eBay paid $350 for a 1797 Large Cent graded Good (G) with a 15% obverse off-center strike error.

2. 1797 Large Cent Doubled Die Error

Another error commonly seen in the 1797 large cent series is the doubled die, which happens when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles. This results in a visible doubling or a ghost outline on the inscriptions and design elements on either side of the coin.

Generally, coins that show stronger or more visible doubling are more valuable than those with only subtle doubling. In most cases, though, you will need magnification to spot a doubled die error, especially on worn early coins.

In 2010, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a rare 1797 large cent graded Extremely Fine (XF) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error for an impressive $2,400.

3. 1797 Large Cent Die Crack Error

Due to the poor technical conditions and die quality, die cracks are common on 1797 large cents. These raised lines on the coin’s surface occur when the die’s surface develops cracks that are gradually filled with small metal pieces.

Eventually, as the die continues to be used, the metal-filled cracks leave their impression on the coin’s surface, resulting in raised lines that appear like cracks.

Large, uniquely positioned, and dramatic die cracks are generally more valuable than smaller ones. On 1797 large cents, die cracks are common on the obverse and appear across Liberty’s portrait.

In 2015, an eBay collector paid an impressive $1,300 for a 1797 large cent graded Very Fine (VF), making this a worthwhile addition to any collection.

4. 1797 Large Cent Struck-Through Error

When a foreign object such as a piece of cloth, wood chip or metal speck is struck between the die and planchet, it can leave its impression on the coin’s surface, resulting in a struck through error.

The value of a struck-through error depends on its uniqueness or eye-appeal, with dramatic errors being more valuable. A collector on eBay paid $1,350 for a 1797 large cent graded Very Fine (VF) with a large reverse struck-through error.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Errors

 

Where to Sell Your 1797 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 1797 large cent worth?

The value of a 1797 large cent depends on its condition, rarity, and variety. The no-stems variety, being scarce, is in high demand and commands premium prices even in lower grades. Prices range from $200 to at least $14,000 in worn condition. The more common stems variety is worth between $165 and $6,250 in circulated condition and as much as $62,000 or more in Mint State.

How many 1797 large cents are there?

About 897,510 large cents were minted in 1797, but this population has dwindled over the years due to loss, damage, and hoarding. The exact number of 1797 large cents survivors is known. What is certain is that these coins are scarce in all grades, and uncirculated examples are difficult to come across. Although these early coins are still collectible, you should consider yourself lucky if you come across one.

Is my 1797 large cent real?

You can authenticate your 1797 large cent by comparing it to images of real Draped Bust large cents from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Check that the key features, such as diameter, weight, and edge, are a match. As a copper coin, your large cent should show signs of natural aging, such as a brown, olive, or dark chocolate tone. If the coin is shiny reddish, has a grainy texture, or sticks to a magnet is likely a counterfeit.