Price Guide for 1798 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.
1798 Penny Second Hair Style, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00 – $40,250.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $207,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $43.00 – $3,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $12,000.00Uncirculated: $12,250.00 – $140,000.00
1798 Penny First Hair Style, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.25 – $69,000.00Uncirculated: $1,560.00 – $48,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $3,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $12,750.00Uncirculated: $14,000.00 – $60,000.00
1798 Penny S-170, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 – $5,875.00Uncirculated: $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $262.00 – $1,358.33
1798/7 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $45.00 – $29,900.00Uncirculated: $103,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $124.50 – $877.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $27,500.00Uncirculated: $32,000.00 – $72,500.00
1798 Penny S-178, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $780.00 – $4,935.00
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eBayCirculated: $520.00 – $975.00
1798 Penny Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $66.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.00 – $179.96
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $19,250.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $100,000.00
1798 Penny Second Hair Style, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $86.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $3,680.00 – $57,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $120,000.00
1798 Penny S-155, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $25,850.00Uncirculated: $15,600.00 – $114,563.00
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eBayCirculated: $149.00 – $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $68.00 – $16,750.00Uncirculated: $17,500.00 – $115,000.00
1798 Penny S-156, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $24,675.00
1798 Penny S-156, Reverse of 1795, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $920.00
1798 Penny S-144, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $9,106.00
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eBayCirculated: $152.50 – $4,314.00
1798 Penny S-145, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $14,687.50
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eBayCirculated: $165.50 – $455.90
1798 Penny S-146, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00 – $3,910.00Uncirculated: $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $175.00 – $253.00
1798 Penny S-146, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,006.00
1798 Penny S-147, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $510.00
1798 Penny S-148, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $6,900.00Uncirculated: $18,000.00 – $44,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $79.00 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $915.00 – $3,700.00Uncirculated: $20,000.00 – $37,500.00
1798 Penny S-149, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayCirculated: $109.50 – $192.00
1798 Penny S-153, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $190.00 – $495.00
1798 Penny S-154, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $10,800.00Uncirculated: $34,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12,500.00Uncirculated: $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-157, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $23,500.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $93.57
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 – $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-158, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $13,800.00Uncirculated: $24,000.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $192.50 – $369.75
1798 Penny S-159, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $102.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00 – $911.00
1798 Penny S-160, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $235.00 – $4,200.00Uncirculated: $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $195.00
1798 Penny S-161, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $9,350.00Uncirculated: $14,400.00 – $33,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $103.51 – $526.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $10,500.00Uncirculated: $12,000.00 – $32,500.00
1798 Penny S-162, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $7,931.00
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eBayCirculated: $64.00 – $500.00
1798 Penny S-163, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00 – $28,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00
1798 Penny S-164, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $9,987.50Uncirculated: $15,275.00 – $20,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 – $1,222.99
1798 Penny NC-1, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $135.50
1798 Penny NC-2, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00 – $21,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $67.00 – $734.21
1798 Penny S-165, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $63.00 – $300.70
1798 Penny S-165, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,255.00
1798 Penny S-166, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $1,560.00 – $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $85.00 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $7,850.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-167, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $31,725.00Uncirculated: $5,875.00 – $19,388.00
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eBayCirculated: $163.00 – $1,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $23,000.00 – $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-168, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 – $13,800.00Uncirculated: $17,038.00 – $28,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $611.00 – $690.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,500.00
1798 Penny S-169, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $6,325.00Uncirculated: $8,813.00
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eBayCirculated: $625.00Uncirculated: $177.50
1798 Penny S-169, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $426.00 – $2,875.00
1798 Penny S-170, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $863.00 – $7,188.00
1798 Penny S-171, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $165.00
1798 Penny S-171, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00 – $16,675.00
1798 Penny S-172, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $12,000.00Uncirculated: $15,275.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $232.50 – $595.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $23,000.00 – $24,000.00
1798 Penny S-173, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $4,700.00Uncirculated: $9,400.00 – $19,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $650.00
1798 Penny S-174, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $6,168.75Uncirculated: $8,225.00 – $19,388.00
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eBayCirculated: $118.88 – $699.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $23,000.00 – $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-175, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $22,325.00Uncirculated: $19,388.00
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eBayCirculated: $900.00
1798 Penny S-176, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $649.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $7,000.00
1798 Penny S-177, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $9,988.00
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eBayCirculated: $564.00
1798 Penny S-179, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $124.00 – $8,400.00Uncirculated: $8,225.00 – $69,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $140.00 – $330.51
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,850.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $125,000.00
1798 Penny S-179, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $230.00 – $334.00
1798 Penny S-180, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $22,325.00
1798 Penny S-181, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00 – $5,290.00Uncirculated: $13,513.00 – $49,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $97.77
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,650.00 – $5,650.00Uncirculated: $11,500.00 – $60,000.00
1798 Penny S-181, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52,875.00 – $61,687.50
1798 Penny S-182, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $18,400.00Uncirculated: $8,400.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,200.00
1798 Penny S-183, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $15,863.00
1798 Penny S-184, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $7,050.00Uncirculated: $10,200.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $331.99 – $3,385.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $7,850.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $23,000.00
1798 Penny S-185, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $9,106.00
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eBayCirculated: $174.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,850.00
1798 Penny S-186, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $98.00 – $18,600.00Uncirculated: $11,400.00 – $57,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $99.55 – $1,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $7,500.00Uncirculated: $42,500.00
1798 Penny S-187, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $146.88 – $8,700.00Uncirculated: $7,050.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $102.50 – $2,477.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $7,850.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $90,000.00
1798/7 Penny S-150, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $21,738.00
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eBayCirculated: $449.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,100.00 – $25,000.00
1798/7 Penny S-151, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00 – $12,925.00Uncirculated: $47,000.00 – $56,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $15,000.00Uncirculated: $60,000.00
1798/7 Penny S-152, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $20,400.00Uncirculated: $38,400.00 – $67,563.00
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eBayCirculated: $91.00 – $157.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $27,500.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1798 Cent
The 1798 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, was a significant improvement over the previous Liberty Cap design, showcasing more refined artistry.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks (all 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 design with 'ONE CENT' in center, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1798 Cent has a profound impact on its value and desirability. Due to the coin’s age and the relatively poor quality of early minting processes, finding high-grade examples is extremely challenging. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
Factors such as original red color, absence of corrosion, and strong strike details can significantly increase a coin’s value. The presence of smooth, problem-free surfaces is particularly important for early copper coins, as they were prone to environmental damage over time.
Philadelphia, No Mint Mark
Mintage: 1,841,745
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with AU and Mint State examples being exceptionally valuable
Varieties Errors: Multiple varieties exist, including the 'Pointed 9' and 'Blunt 9' in the date
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens and notable varieties
Several factors can contribute to the additional value of a 1798 Cent:
1. Variety: The 1798 Cent has multiple known die varieties, with some being rarer and more valuable than others. The ‘Pointed 9’ and ‘Blunt 9’ varieties are among the most notable.
2. Color: Coins retaining original red color are extremely rare and valuable. Most surviving specimens have turned brown over time.
3. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially in Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, command premium prices.
4. Historical Significance: As one of the earliest U.S. coin issues, the 1798 Cent holds special appeal for collectors of early American coinage.
5. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can see increased value due to their pedigree.
This article originally appeared on Coins-value.com: 1798 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, And Current Prices
