The 1800 Draped Bust Large Cent represents a fascinating chapter in early American coinage. As the nation was establishing its monetary system, these pennies served as workhorses of daily commerce while embodying the artistic vision of our founding fathers. Today, these historic coins command significant premiums across all grades, with certain varieties and error coins achieving remarkable prices at auction.
Essential Specifications and Identification
The 1800 Draped Bust cent features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, while the reverse displays a wreath surrounding the denomination “ONE CENT.” Before examining values and errors, collectors should understand the basic specifications:
Technical Specifications:
- Composition: 100% copper
- Weight: 10.89 grams (168 grains) ± 0.25 grams
- Diameter: 29mm ± 0.5mm
- Edge: Plain (no reeding)
- Designer: Robert Scot
- Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Mintage Data
The 1800 Large Cent had a total mintage of approximately 2,822,175 pieces, according to U.S. Mint records. However, modern research suggests the actual surviving population is considerably smaller, with PCGS estimating fewer than 10,000 examples exist across all grades today.
Current Market Values by Grade
Values for the 1800 Draped Bust cent vary significantly based on variety, condition, and surface quality. The following table provides current market values based on the latest PCGS Price Guide data and recent Heritage Auction results:
| Grade | S-191 (Normal Date) | S-197 (Wide Date) | S-200 (80/79 Overdate) |
| AG-3 | $125-175 | $135-190 | $450-575 |
| G-4 | $175-250 | $200-275 | $575-700 |
| VG-8 | $300-425 | $350-475 | $900-1,250 |
| F-12 | $600-750 | $650-825 | $1,900-2,300 |
| VF-20 | $1,150-1,400 | $1,250-1,550 | $3,800-4,500 |
| XF-40 | $2,600-3,100 | $2,900-3,500 | $7,500-9,000 |
| AU-50 | $5,500-6,500 | $6,000-7,200 | $12,000-15,000 |
| MS-60 | $12,000-15,000 | $15,000-18,000 | $32,000-38,000 |
| MS-63 | $27,500-32,000 | $30,000-35,000 | $65,000-80,000 |
| MS-65 | $75,000+ | $85,000+ | $150,000+ |
Major Varieties
The 1800 Draped Bust cent is classified according to the Sheldon system, with several important varieties that collectors should understand:
S-191: Normal Date
This is the most common variety, featuring an evenly spaced date with proper positioning. The “1” in the date is positioned directly under Liberty’s lowest curl.
Authentication Tip: Look for a small die dot between “T” and “Y” of LIBERTY on genuine examples.
S-197: Wide Date
The digits in the date are spaced farther apart than normal. The “1” is positioned slightly left of Liberty’s lowest curl.
Authentication Tip: True S-197 specimens show a small die scratch through the “E” in UNITED.
S-200: 80/79 Overdate (Rarest)
The most valuable variety shows clear evidence of “1800” punched over “1799,” with the top of the “7” visible under the “8.” This variety commands a significant premium in all grades.
Authentication Tip: Beyond the overdate, look for a die crack running from the rim through the second “0” that appears on genuine examples.
S-196: Broken Hair Curl
Features a distinctive break in Liberty’s lowest curl, appearing as though the curl is separated from the head.
Authentication Tip: Check for a die flaw at the “T” in CENT that resembles a small embedded fragment.
Grading Standards for 1800 Draped Bust Cents
Grading these early copper coins requires attention to specific wear patterns unique to the Draped Bust design:
Good-4
Liberty’s profile is complete but flat. Hair details are merged into an outline. On the reverse, the wreath structure is visible but individual leaves are not distinguishable.
Fine-12
Bold diagnostic points: Liberty’s hair shows separation in the upper curls. The headband displays “LIBERTY” with at least four letters complete. On the reverse, the wreath ribbon details are partially visible.
Very Fine-20
Bold diagnostic points: Most hair strands are separate and identifiable. The headband shows complete “LIBERTY.” The wreath on the reverse shows clear leaf veins in approximately 50% of the leaves.
Extremely Fine-40
Bold diagnostic points: All hair strands show clear separation. Light wear appears only on the highest points of the hair curls and cheek. Reverse wreath details are sharp with clear leaf veins throughout.
About Uncirculated-50
Only the slightest friction on the highest points. Original mint luster remains in protected areas, particularly around the date, stars, and letters.
Mint State
No evidence of circulation wear, though copper spots, minor planchet flaws, or strike weakness may be present without affecting the grade.
Authentication of 1800 Draped Bust Cents
Counterfeits of 1800 Large Cents have appeared in the market for generations. Here are critical authentication points:
Die Characteristics
Genuine coins were struck from hand-cut dies with characteristic imperfections. Look for die polish lines radiating from devices on authentic pieces.
Edge Examination
The plain edge should show slight irregularities from the minting process. Perfect, machine-like edges suggest modern counterfeits.
Weight Verification
Genuine specimens typically weigh between 10.64 and 11.14 grams. Weights outside this range warrant further investigation.
Strike Characteristics
Due to the primitive minting technology of 1800, perfectly centered strikes with full details are extremely rare. Examples showing too-perfect centering should be examined closely.
Notable Error Types
Planchet Cracks
Pre-strike defects in the copper planchet can create cracks that enlarged during striking. These are valued at 20-40% above typical examples in the same grade.
Off-Center Strikes
The 1800 cents are occasionally found struck off-center. Examples showing 5-10% off-center typically command a 50-100% premium, while those 20% or more off-center can bring 200-300% above standard values.
Clipped Planchets
Curved clips resulting from improper planchet cutting add approximately 40-75% to the value, depending on the size and location of the clip.
Doubled Dies
The 1800 S-194 variety shows minor doubling on the reverse lettering. This subtle doubling adds roughly 25-30% to values across all grades.
Rotated Dies
Dies misaligned by more than 20 degrees are considered significant errors. An 1800 cent with 90-degree die rotation can command a 75-100% premium over typical examples.
Recent Notable Auction Results
The market for premium 1800 Draped Bust cents has remained strong. Recent significant auction results include:
- January 2024: S-200 (80/79 Overdate) in PCGS AU-55 realized $28,800 at Heritage Auctions
- September 2023: S-191 in PCGS MS-64BN with CAC approval achieved $56,400 at Stack’s Bowers
- May 2023: S-197 in NGC MS-62BN sold for $22,325 at Heritage Auctions
- November 2022: S-196 in PCGS VF-35 brought $2,880 at Heritage Auctions
Preservation Considerations
The copper composition of 1800 Large Cents makes them particularly susceptible to environmental damage. Collectors should follow these preservation guidelines:
Store coins in non-PVC holders designed specifically for copper coins. Avoid handling with bare hands as oils and acids from skin accelerate corrosion. Never clean these coins as even mild cleaning can reduce value by 50% or more.
Authentication Tip: Natural patina on genuine examples typically shows reddish-brown to chocolate brown tones. Bright orange-red surfaces on an 1800 cent often indicate artificial enhancement or cleaning.
Die State Progression
Early U.S. Mint practices involved using dies until they failed, creating distinct die states as they wore or cracked. For 1800 cents:
Early Die State
Sharp details with minimal flow lines. Stars and date digits show crisp outlines.
Middle Die State
Minor flow lines visible, particularly around the periphery. Some loss of fine detail in hair curls.
Late Die State
Bold diagnostic point: Prominent die cracks often appear, especially from rim to date or through the wreath. These late die states can command 15-25% premiums from specialists.
Related: 1796 Draped Bust Cent History, Value, Errors & Mint Marks
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my 1800 Large Cent is the valuable overdate variety?
Examine the “8” in the date under magnification. On the overdate (S-200), you’ll see distinct remnants of a “7” underneath the “8,” particularly the upper diagonal stroke of the “7” protruding from the upper loop of the “8.” Additionally, the overdate shows characteristic die cracks through the second “0” in the date.
Do cleaned 1800 Large Cents have any value?
Yes, although significantly reduced. Cleaned examples typically sell for 40-60% of the values listed for naturally toned specimens. Harshly cleaned coins may sell for even less. The market generally prefers original surfaces even with imperfections over cleaned examples.
How does the 1800 Draped Bust cent compare in rarity to other years?
The 1800 is more common than the key dates of 1799 and 1804, but less common than 1801-1803. Among the varieties, the S-200 overdate ranks among the scarcest regular-issue Large Cents of the era, while the S-191 is relatively obtainable in circulated grades.
What causes the distinctive color variations seen on 1800 cents?
Original copper cents from this era developed patina over decades through natural oxidation processes. The chocolate-brown to reddish-brown tones seen on many examples represent desirable natural aging. Specimens with bright orange or red coloration are either miraculous survivors with original mint red (extremely rare) or have been artificially enhanced (much more common).
Are there any major unattributed varieties of the 1800 cent still being discovered?
While most major varieties have been documented, new die marriages and states continue to be discovered by specialists. Recent advances in digital imaging have revealed previously unnoticed die markers and states. Collectors should carefully document any unusual characteristics as they might represent unrecorded varieties worth premium values.
Values stated in this article reflect market conditions as of April 2025, based on PCGS Price Guide data and recent auction results from Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers. Given the volatile nature of the numismatic market, collectors are advised to consult current price guides before making significant purchasing decisions.
