Representative series imageLarge CentReference art may not show this exact date or mint.
Large Cent
U.S. collector price guide

1796 Large Cent (liberty-cap)

Denomination
Cent
Mint
P (Philadelphia)
Composition
100% copper
Mintage
974,540
Guide value by grade$40.00–$1,400
Reliable7 priced grades

This page has imported grade-level guide data and is ready for normal collector comparison.

Circulated$40.00
Gem uncirculated$1,400
Updated 2026-06-09published-guideHow the guide works →
Grade Ladder
$40$131$428$1.4kG-4VG-8F-12VF-20EF-40MS-62MS-63
Tab, hover, or tap a grade to see the price jump
Price by Grade
GradeQualityEst. Value
G-4Good
$40
VG-8Very Good
$55
F-12Fine
$80
VF-20Very Fine
$140
EF-40Extremely Fine
$300
MS-62Mint State
$700
MS-63Choice Uncirculated
$1,400

Estimates from published guides and recent sold data. Grade is everything. Verify before you buy.

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What to do next
Check the gradeValue changes by condition. Compare the grade ladder before using the headline estimate.
Watch melt valueFor silver or gold issues, melt value can become the practical floor.
Verify before buyingUse methodology, source confidence, and recent comps before making purchase decisions.
Common Questions

What is the 1796 Large Cent (liberty-cap) worth?

Current guide estimates on this page range from $40.00 to $1,400 depending on grade.

Why does grade matter for the 1796 Large Cent (liberty-cap)?

Coin value can change sharply by condition. Use the grade ladder and price-by-grade table before relying on any single headline estimate.

Does melt value affect the 1796 Large Cent (liberty-cap)?

This page does not show a meaningful melt floor for this coin, but silver and gold issues can have metal value that affects lower-grade outcomes.

Survivor's LedgerNo. cs_us_cent_large-cent_1796_p_liberty-cap
230years survived since minting
Minted
1796
Denomination
Cent
Composition
100% copper
Mintage
974,540

Deeper history for the Large Cent series is still being researched. Know this one? Help us write it →

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Guide record
Grade and metal context

Use the grade ladder, pricing confidence, and melt floor together before making a buying decision.

Read methodology →
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Better price data, a variety we missed, or a mintage correction? Collectors make this guide accurate.

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