Price Guide for 1799 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $48.50 – $161,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,075.00 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $97.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,250.00 – $500,000.00Uncirculated: $600,000.00 – $1,000,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,035.00 – $89,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,150.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $1,000,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00 – $368,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $4,050.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $1,000,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $357.00 – $111,000.00Uncirculated: $540,500.00 – $977,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,050.00 – $7,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $500,000.00Uncirculated: $600,000.00 – $700,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $20,400.00 – $66,125.00
Design and Specifications of the 1799 Cent
The 1799 Draped Bust Cent is a highly significant and rare coin in American numismatics. It was produced during a period of transition and scarcity for the early United States Mint. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, represented a more mature and refined portrayal of Liberty compared to its predecessor.
This coin was minted during a yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, which severely impacted mint operations and resulted in very low mintage numbers for cents in 1799. As a result, the 1799 Cent is one of the key dates in the early large cent series and is highly prized by collectors.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (All cents were minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath design with 'ONE CENT' in center, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1799 Cent has a dramatic impact on its value. Due to its rarity and age, even low-grade examples are valuable. However, the value increases exponentially for higher-grade specimens.
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many known examples suffer from weak strikes due to the mint’s difficulties during production. Coins with strong, well-defined details command significant premiums.
The presence of original mint red color is extremely rare and highly prized. Most surviving examples have brown or dark brown coloration. Coins with attractive, even toning are also desirable among collectors.
Mintage: 42,540 (estimated)
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with only a handful known in Mint State
Varieties Errors: Normal Date, Overdate 1799/8
Market Demand: High, due to its rarity and historical significance
The 1799/8 overdate variety is particularly valuable and sought after by specialists. This variety shows evidence of the 9 being punched over an 8 in the date.
Provenance can play a significant role in the value of a 1799 Cent. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections can command substantial premiums.
Due to its rarity, authenticity is a crucial factor. Many counterfeit 1799 Cents exist, so certification by reputable grading services is highly recommended and can significantly impact value.
