The Draped Bust Half Dollar is a historic silver coin that was minted in the United States from 1796 to 1807. It is known for its elegant design featuring the profile of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
The Draped Bust design was created by renowned portrait artist Gilbert Stuart, who was also responsible for painting the famous portrait of George Washington that is used on the one-dollar bill. The design was first used on the silver dollar coin in 1795 and was later adapted for the half dollar denomination.
The obverse of the Draped Bust Half Dollar features the bust of Liberty facing right, her hair tied with a ribbon. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above her head, and the date appears below. The reverse of the coin depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The eagle is surrounded by a wreath, and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appears above.
The Draped Bust Half Dollar underwent some changes during its production. The earliest versions, minted from 1796 to 1797, featured a small eagle on the reverse with no shield. These coins are known as the Small Eagle reverse type. In 1801, the design was modified to depict a larger eagle with a shield on its chest, and this version is called the Heraldic Eagle reverse type.
The Draped Bust Half Dollar saw limited mintages during its production period. The early years, from 1796 to 1798, had relatively low mintages due to various factors, including the scarcity of silver and the demand for smaller denominations. In 1806, there was a significant increase in production, but mintages dropped again in 1807, as the half dollar denomination was temporarily discontinued until its revival in 1812 with the Capped Bust design.
Today, Draped Bust Half Dollars are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and limited availability. The coins' value varies depending on factors such as condition, rarity, and demand within the numismatic market. Well-preserved examples of these coins can command substantial premiums.
It's worth noting that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the coin market is constantly evolving, and prices can fluctuate. For the most current and precise valuation of specific Draped Bust Half Dollars, it's recommended to consult with reputable coin dealers or numismatic experts.
Key Dates
1796: The inaugural year of the Draped Bust Half Dollar series, and it holds immense historical significance. Only around 3,918 coins were minted, making it extremely rare and valuable.
1797 15 Stars: In 1797, the Mint added two more stars to the obverse of the coin to represent Tennessee and Ohio joining the Union. Approximately 3,615 coins were produced with the 15-star design, making it a scarce and desirable variety.
1797 16 Stars: After the Mint added two more stars to the obverse, they realized that 16 stars were too crowded, so they modified the design to include 13 stars representing the original colonies. Around 3,051 coins were minted with the 16-star design, making it rarer than its 15-star counterpart.
1801: The 1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar has a relatively low mintage of approximately 27,760 coins. It is considered a key date due to its scarcity and higher demand from collectors.
1802: The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable dates in the series. It is estimated that only around 3,035 coins were minted, making it highly sought after by collectors.
1804: The 1804 Draped Bust Half Dollar is another key date known for its rarity. It is believed that only a few hundred or fewer coins were struck, and most of them were likely proofs. As a result, the 1804 half dollar is incredibly rare and commands high prices in the numismatic market.
These key dates represent some of the scarcest and most coveted coins in the Draped Bust Half Dollar series. Their limited mintages, historical significance, and collector demand contribute to their desirability and higher values.
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