Price Guide for 1801 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: $6.30 – $103,500.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $92,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $1,295.00Uncirculated: $899.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $11,750.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $9,200.00Uncirculated: $4,313.00 – $33,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $148.00 – $1,121.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $215.00 – $18,000.00Uncirculated: $21,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $66.00 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $138,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $54.00 – $1,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $82,500.00Uncirculated: $90,000.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $12,650.00Uncirculated: $24,150.00 – $57,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $535.00 – $1,030.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $55,500.00Uncirculated: $57,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $64.00 – $8,519.00Uncirculated: $45,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $72.00 – $1,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $516.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $4,230.00Uncirculated: $21,600.00 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $294.25 – $406.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $8,625.00Uncirculated: $22,913.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $185.00 – $2,400.00Uncirculated: $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $70,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $7,931.00Uncirculated: $4,582.50 – $14,688.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $9,000.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,700.00 – $99,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $14,100.00 – $22,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.50 – $568.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $9,000.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $16,800.00Uncirculated: $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.05 – $167.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $5,290.00
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eBayCirculated: $895.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $114,563.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $900.00 – $16,675.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $705.00 – $9,106.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00 – $15,275.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $73,438.00Uncirculated: $108,000.00 – $117,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $57.78 – $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $70,000.00Uncirculated: $85,000.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $80.00 – $4,255.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00 – $139.17
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $3,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $7,931.00Uncirculated: $14,100.00 – $57,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.59 – $3,569.96
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $10,500.00Uncirculated: $17,500.00 – $32,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $517.00 – $1,821.00
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eBayCirculated: $879.00 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,200.00 – $4,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $54,050.00Uncirculated: $50,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $70.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $165.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41,125.00 – $105,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $350.00
Design and Specifications of the 1801 Cent
The 1801 Cent, also known as the Draped Bust Large Cent, was part of the early copper coinage of the United States. This coin represents a crucial period in American numismatic history, as the young nation was still establishing its monetary system. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, continued through 1807 for cents, showcasing the artistic vision of the early Republic.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (All 1801 cents were minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination 'ONE CENT' and fraction '1/100', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1801 Cent dramatically impacts its value. Due to the coin’s age and the soft nature of copper, finding specimens in high grades is extremely challenging. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The presence of original red color on the coin’s surface can significantly increase its value, as most 1801 cents have turned brown over time. Additionally, smooth, problem-free surfaces without corrosion or environmental damage are crucial for higher valuations.
Mintage: 1,362,837
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS60 and above, with only a handful known to exist in such high grades
Varieties Errors: 1/000 Fraction Error, 3 Error Reverse
Market Demand: High, due to its status as an early American copper coin and its scarcity in higher grades
Strike quality is an important factor for 1801 Cents. Well-struck examples with full detail in Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse command premium prices. The 1/000 Fraction Error variety, where the fraction on the reverse appears as 1/000 instead of 1/100, is highly prized by collectors and can significantly increase the coin’s value.
The 3 Error Reverse variety, featuring a backwards 3 in the fraction, is another notable error that adds value. Lastly, attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, particularly if it exhibits pleasing colors without obscuring the details.
