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1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter29 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 897,510 Combined mintage for all 1797 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot
Collector's Key IDCK-126

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About this coinHistory

The 1797 large cent with a Reverse of 1797 and stems shows the wreath with visible stem ends extending below the bow at the base. The stems are the standard feature on this reverse die; the No Stems version represents a different die. Both are contemporary reverses paired with 1797 obverses.

The Stems variety is generally the more common of the two 1797 Reverse of 1797 variants, though the margin varies by Sheldon number. For a collector who simply wants a 1797 Draped Bust large cent, the stems/no-stems distinction is a detail that can be addressed later. For a variety specialist building a complete Sheldon set, it is a separate line item that requires its own acquisition.

Condition and surface quality, as always with early copper, matter more than the specific variety designation for most buyers. A well-struck coin with smooth brown surfaces and minimal problems in Fine is a better purchase than a poorly preserved example in the same grade, regardless of which variety it represents.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
897,510 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1797 varieties).
What is a 1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems Draped Bust Large Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems Draped Bust Large Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.