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1801

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Regular
Weight10.89 g
Diameter29 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,362,837 Combined mintage for all 1801 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition100% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot
Collector's Key IDCK-136

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About this coinHistory

The 1801 large cent was produced in substantial quantity, and the standard-date version is among the more available Draped Bust cents from the early nineteenth century. The design continues unchanged: Scot's Draped Bust Liberty on the obverse, the wreath and denomination on the reverse. Multiple die pairs were used during the year, generating the varieties that Sheldon cataloged.

The 1801 date is interesting primarily for its varieties rather than for the standard issue itself. The 1/000, 100/000, and 3 Errors varieties all come from the same year and represent some of the most entertaining die blunders in the Draped Bust series. The standard 1801, without errors, serves as the baseline against which those varieties are measured.

Most surviving examples fall in the Good to Fine range. The coin is available and affordable by early large cent standards, making it one of the dates that collectors can acquire without the stress associated with key dates or expensive varieties.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $67 $77
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $126 $146
F-12 Fine (F) $265 $305
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $535 $620
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $1,220 $1,410
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1801 Draped Bust Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $67–$77, rising to roughly $1,220–$1,410 in Extremely Fine. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1801 Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
1,362,837 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1801 varieties).
What is a 1801 Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1801 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 1801 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.