U.S. COIN REFERENCE · Draped Bust large cent
Draped Bust large cents: the reverse can solve the date
Fractions, stems, and reverse styles make early-cent attribution a two-face task.
By SalarsNet · Reviewed October 5, 2026
The changing reverse of 1796
The first Draped Bust cents were paired with several reverse styles. A useful record names the obverse date and the reverse type separately. The 1796 LIHERTY candidate involves a corrected letter punch, while stemless reverses and differences in the fraction occur elsewhere in the series. Preserve the denomination and fraction in every reverse photograph.
Type references: PCGS Draped Bust Cent ↗
Work through one diagnostic at a time
For an apparent overdate, photograph the whole date and the questionable digit at the same scale as a specialist reference. The 1798/7 and 1799/8 are recognized candidates. Scratches, corrosion, and worn numeral edges can create convincing false extra strokes; a successful die match should explain features beyond that stroke.
Type references: PCGS Draped Bust Cent ↗
A scarce year and an altered coin need different comparisons
The 1799 is a major date challenge; 1804 is also difficult. Private restrikes bearing 1804 are a separate subject. Record porosity and possible smoothing before choosing a grade estimate, and use sales of coins with similar surface problems when those problems are present. Sharp lettering on a treated surface does not make the coin equivalent to an original mint-state example.
Type references: PCGS Draped Bust Cent ↗
Selected reviewed issue records
These catalog standards describe the named issue, not a measured specimen. The selected records below do not cover every date, mint, strike, or die variety. Reported production is labeled separately from established mintage. Unknown standards and mintage remain visible; survival estimates and certified populations are separate research questions.
No issue-level specification or mintage records are published for this category yet. Verify the exact date, mint, strike, metal, and subtype in its reference before using a numerical standard.
References and review
Reference reviewed October 5, 2026. Historical facts and catalog standards need to match the exact issue; price comparisons should be researched at the time of valuation.