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1798 Second Hair Style

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter29 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,841,745 Combined mintage for all 1798 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot
Collector's Key IDCK-130

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About this coinHistory

The 1798 Second Hair Style large cent shows the refined version of the Draped Bust portrait that would become standard for the remainder of the design's run through 1807. Liberty's hair is rendered with more defined, individually articulated curls compared to the looser treatment of the First Hair Style. The change reflects Robert Scot's continued refinement of the design over its first two years of production.

The Second Hair Style accounts for the majority of 1798 large cent production, making it the most commonly encountered variety for the date. For a collector who simply wants a representative 1798 cent, the Second Hair Style will likely be the first variety encountered and the most affordable option.

The 1798 date had a substantial mintage, and the Second Hair Style benefits from being the dominant production variety. Examples in Good to Fine are available without extraordinary searching. Very Fine is achievable with patience. Higher grades become progressively scarcer, consistent with a coin that circulated in daily commerce for decades.

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 1798 Second Hair Style Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
1,841,745 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1798 varieties).
What is a 1798 Second Hair Style Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1798 Second Hair Style 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 1798 Second Hair Style 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.