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1801 1/000

Large Cents · Draped Bust Large Cents · 1796–1807
Variety
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-137

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About this coinHistory

The 1801 1/000 variety is a fraction error on the reverse. The denomination fraction, which should read 1/100, instead reads 1/000. The engraver punched three zeros in the denominator where one of them should have been a 1. Every coin from this die carries the same miscut fraction, proclaiming itself worth one-thousandth of a dollar rather than one one-hundredth.

The error is one of several fraction-related blunders that occurred on early large cent dies, reflecting the hand-punched nature of every element on the die face. The engraver positioned each numeral individually using steel punches and a hammer, and selecting the wrong punch or placing it incorrectly was an ever-present risk. The 1/000 error was either not noticed or not considered worth discarding the die over.

The 1801 1/000 is collected as a recognized variety with a premium over standard 1801 cents. The fraction error is visible on coins in Good or better condition, where the reverse denomination area retains enough detail to confirm the three zeros. Certification services attribute the variety, making confirmed examples easy to purchase with confidence.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $360 $415
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $990 $1,140
F-12 Fine (F) $1,800 $2,075
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $2,760 $3,185
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $6,510 $7,510
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1801 1/000 Draped Bust Large Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $360–$415, rising to roughly $6,510–$7,510 in Extremely Fine. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1801 1/000 Draped Bust Large Cents were minted?
1,362,837 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1801 varieties).
What is a 1801 1/000 Draped Bust Large Cent made of?
100% Copper, weighing 10.89 g.
What is the melt value of a 1801 1/000 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 1/000 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.