Price Guide for 1797 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1797 Cent 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.
1797 Penny Reverse of 1797, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00 - $48,875.00Uncirculated: $8,625.00 - $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $142.50 - $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 - $40,000.00Uncirculated: $42,500.00 - $57,500.00
1797 Penny Reverse of 1797, Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.65 - $39,100.00Uncirculated: $748.00 - $69,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.01 - $5,000.00Uncirculated: $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $140.00 - $9,250.00Uncirculated: $9,750.00 - $60,000.00
1797 Penny NC-1, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayCirculated: $229.50 - $3,000.00
1797 Penny S-120a, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $86.00 - $82,250.00Uncirculated: $87,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $195.00 - $412.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,600.00 - $35,000.00Uncirculated: $95,000.00
1797 Penny S-121a, Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00 - $8,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,100.00
1797 Penny S-120b, Gripped Edge, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $86.00 - $19,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $168.50 - $376.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 - $21,500.00Uncirculated: $60,000.00 - $72,500.00
1797 Penny S-121b, Gripped Edge, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 - $28,800.00Uncirculated: $73,438.00 - $81,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.00 - $1,005.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 - $24,000.00Uncirculated: $75,000.00 - $92,500.00
1797 Penny S-122, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 - $20,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $324.30Uncirculated: $180.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00
1797 Penny S-123, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00 - $11,500.00Uncirculated: $5,875.00 - $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $300.00
1797 Penny S-123, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $58,750.00
1797 Penny S-124, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 - $14,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $255.00
1797 Penny S-125, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 - $9,694.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,850.00
1797 Penny S-126, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 - $19,387.50Uncirculated: $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.00 - $760.00
1797 Penny S-127, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 - $12,075.00
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eBayCirculated: $410.00 - $17,000.00
1797 Penny S-128, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 - $9,694.00Uncirculated: $22,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $819.00
1797 Penny S-129, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 - $15,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00
1797 Penny S-130, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 - $15,862.50
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eBayCirculated: $221.50 - $1,100.04
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 - $6,500.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00
1797 Penny S-134, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00 - $11,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00 - $916.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,450.00 - $5,250.00
1797 Penny S-135, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 - $2,530.00Uncirculated: $3,740.00 - $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $3,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,500.00 - $43,500.00
1797 Penny Sheldon 135, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,600.00 - $72,000.00
1797 Penny S-136, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $43.00 - $7,763.00Uncirculated: $16,450.00 - $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $55.00 - $2,200.00
1797 Penny S-137, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 - $8,519.00Uncirculated: $13,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.00 - $433.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $155.00 - $5,750.00
1797 Penny S-138, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $61.00 - $7,931.00Uncirculated: $6,462.50 - $16,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $107.99 - $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $155.00 - $7,000.00Uncirculated: $8,000.00 - $26,000.00
1797 Penny Sheldon 138, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $105,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125,000.00
1797 Penny S-139, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 - $5,434.38Uncirculated: $18,800.00 - $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00 - $860.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $155.00 - $6,500.00Uncirculated: $19,000.00 - $20,000.00
1797 Penny Sheldon 139, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65,000.00
1797 Penny S-140, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 - $8,100.00Uncirculated: $17,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $113.50 - $1,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $155.00 - $5,750.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 - $26,000.00
1797 Penny S-140, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $82,250.00 - $120,000.00
1797 Penny S-141, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 - $18,213.00
1797 Penny S-142, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 - $7,200.00
1797 Penny NC-2, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 - $5,290.00
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eBayCirculated: $675.00 - $1,152.00Uncirculated: $107.60
1797 Penny Sheldon NC-3, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $408.00 - $12,338.00
1797 Penny Sheldon NC-4, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $239.50
1797 Penny NC-5, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 - $22,913.00
1797 Penny NC-6, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17,825.00
1797 Penny Gripped Edge, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 - $25,300.00Uncirculated: $37,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $97.88 - $1,633.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $235.00 - $30,000.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 - $90,000.00
1797 Penny NC-8, BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayCirculated: $79.93
1797 Penny Reverse of 1795, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 - $24,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 - $885.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 - $45,000.00Uncirculated: $48,500.00 - $87,500.00
1797 Penny S-131, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $70.00 - $32,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.00 - $114.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 - $35,000.00
1797 Penny Reverse of 1797, Stems, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3,680.00 - $6,613.00Uncirculated: $8,050.00 - $189,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24,000.00 - $125,000.00
1797 Penny S-132, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 - $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,250.00
1797 Penny S-133, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 - $16,450.00
1797 Penny S-143, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 - $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $875.00
Design and Specifications of the 1797 Cent
The 1797 Cent, also known as the Draped Bust Cent, was part of the early large cent series in United States coinage. This coin represents a pivotal period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during the formative years of the United States Mint. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, continued in 1797 with some modifications.
These cents were produced during a time when the young nation was still establishing its monetary system, and their production faced numerous challenges, including inconsistent planchet quality and primitive minting techniques.
| Weight | 10.89 grams (variable) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 28-29 mm (variable) |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right, with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing 'ONE CENT' and fraction '1/100', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1797 Cents. Due to their age and the primitive minting techniques of the time, high-grade examples are extremely rare. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The quality of the strike, presence of original red color, and absence of environmental damage (such as corrosion or porosity) significantly impact value. Coins with sharp details, good luster, and attractive patina command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 897,510
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: Reverse of 1795, Reverse of 1797 (Stems and Without Stems), Gripped Edge variety
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens and notable varieties
Several varieties of the 1797 Cent exist, each with its own rarity and value profile. The Reverse of 1795, Reverse of 1797 with stems, and Reverse of 1797 without stems are major varieties. The Gripped Edge variety is particularly rare and valuable.
Provenance can also play a role in value, with coins from famous collections often commanding higher prices. Die state and the presence of any interesting die cracks or cuds can add numismatic interest and value. Additionally, the historical significance of these early American coins contributes to their overall desirability among collectors and investors.
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