Draped Bust Half Dollar 1796—1807

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.

Shield Nickel 1866—1883

The Shield Nickel was a five-cent coin that was minted in the United States from 1866 to 1883. It was the first nickel five-cent coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The coin derived its name from the prominent shield design on its obverse (front) side.

In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Mint faced a shortage of silver coins due to the increasing demand for small-denomination coins during the Civil War. This led to the exploration of alternative metals for coinage, including nickel. The nickel alloy used for the Shield Nickel consisted of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it a silver-like appearance.

The Shield Nickel was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. Longacre's design featured a large shield on the obverse, which was surrounded by stars representing the Union states. The shield design was intended to symbolize the strength and unity of the United States during a period of post-Civil War reconstruction.

The reverse (back) of the coin displayed a large numeral "5" encircled by a wreath made up of various agricultural products, including wheat, corn, and cotton. The design elements were surrounded by the inscriptions "United States of America" and "Five Cents."

The Shield Nickel faced several challenges during its production. The high relief of the shield design caused problems with the striking process, leading to issues such as weak strikes and uneven surfaces. Over time, modifications were made to the design to address these problems, including reducing the relief and adding additional detail.

In 1883, the Shield Nickel was replaced by the Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the "V Nickel," which featured a left-facing portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral "V" on the reverse. The change in design was primarily due to concerns over counterfeiting and the desire for a more artistic and updated look.

Today, the Shield Nickel is considered a fascinating and historically significant coin in U.S. numismatics. Its limited production period and unique design make it a sought-after collector's item.

Key Dates

1866: The first year of production for the Shield Nickel is considered a key date. It had a mintage of only 14,742 pieces, making it one of the scarcest issues of the series.

1877: The 1877 Shield Nickel is another highly desirable key date. It had a low mintage of just 852,500 coins. This issue is particularly sought after in higher grades.

1878: While the mintage of the 1878 Shield Nickel was relatively high at 2,350,000 coins, it is still considered a key date due to its scarcity in higher grades. Many examples of this year's issue have significant wear or damage.

1880: The 1880 Shield Nickel is another key date that is challenging to find in higher grades. It had a mintage of 16,000,000 coins, but most surviving examples tend to be in lower grades.

 

Trade Dollar 1873—1885

The Trade Dollar was a silver coin that was minted and used primarily in trade with Asia, particularly China, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here's a brief history of the Trade Dollar:

The Trade Dollar was first issued in 1873 by the United States Mint as a response to the growing trade between the United States and Asia, especially China. The intention was to create a silver coin that could compete with the Spanish 8 reales coins that were widely accepted in the region.

The Trade Dollar was minted with a weight of 27.22 grams (0.8594 troy ounces) and a diameter of 38.1 millimeters. The coin featured Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse, similar to other U.S. silver coins of the time.

Initially, the Trade Dollar was intended for use in both domestic and foreign commerce, and it was legal tender in the United States. However, it gained more popularity in international trade, especially in Asia, where it circulated alongside other silver coins.

The Trade Dollar became particularly popular in China, where it was widely accepted in commercial transactions. It was valued higher than other silver coins due to its higher silver content and superior quality. The Chinese merchants and traders trusted the Trade Dollar, and it became the preferred currency for conducting business in the region.

In 1876, the U.S. government revoked the legal tender status of the Trade Dollar within the United States. This decision was made because many Trade Dollars were being exported to Asia, causing a shortage of silver coins in circulation domestically.

The Trade Dollar was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City. Over the years, various mint marks were used to denote the different mints. The coin was issued annually from 1873 to 1885, with the exception of 1884 when no coins were produced for circulation. However, a small number of Trade Dollars were minted in 1884 but as proof coins for collectors.

The popularity of the Trade Dollar declined in the 1880s due to various factors, including changes in U.S. trade policies and the devaluation of silver. In 1887, the Coinage Act was passed, demonetizing the Trade Dollar. It was no longer legal tender, and its production ceased.

Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Trade Dollar remains a popular collectible coin among numismatists and coin collectors. Its historical significance, association with international trade, and limited availability contribute to its appeal.

It's worth noting that there have been later attempts to revive the Trade Dollar concept, but they were not widely adopted or had limited circulation. The original Trade Dollar remains an important part of numismatic history, symbolizing the economic and cultural connections between the United States and Asia during the late 19th century.

Key Dates

1873: The Trade Dollar was first minted in this year, marking its introduction into circulation.

1875-CC: The 1875-CC Trade Dollar is considered one of the key date issues of the series. It was minted in Carson City (CC) and has a relatively low mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors.

1878: The 1878 Trade Dollar is noteworthy because it marked a transition in the design of the coin. In this year, the reverse design was modified to include the Morgan dollar-style eagle with spread wings, replacing the earlier design with an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.

1884: The 1884 Trade Dollar is a notable year for collectors. Although no Trade Dollars were minted for circulation in 1884, a small number of proof coins were produced exclusively for collectors. These proof issues are rare and highly valued.

1885: The 1885 Trade Dollar is another important year for collectors. It marked the final year of regular-issue circulation strikes for the Trade Dollar series. The mintage of the 1885 Trade Dollar is relatively low compared to earlier years, making it a desirable coin.

Barber Quarter 1892—1916

The Barber quarter is a United States coin that was minted from 1892 to 1916. It was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The Barber quarter is part of a series of coins that also included the Barber dime and Barber half dollar.

The Barber quarter features a similar design to the other coins in the series. The obverse side of the coin depicts the head of Liberty facing right, wearing a Phrygian cap with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed on it. The year of mintage is located below Liberty's neck. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR."

The Barber quarter was produced at several U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O mint mark), San Francisco (S mint mark), and Denver (D mint mark). The mintage numbers varied from year to year and across different mint facilities. The highest mintage occurred in 1901, with over 19 million quarters produced.

There are a few notable varieties and rarities within the Barber quarter series. One of the most famous is the 1896-S Barber quarter, which has a low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors. Another notable variety is the 1901-S quarter, which has a different reverse design known as the "Micro S" variety. This variety features a smaller mint mark than the standard size.

The Barber quarter series came to an end in 1916 when it was replaced by the Standing Liberty quarter. The new design, created by Hermon A. MacNeil, featured a depiction of Liberty standing between two pillars. The change in design was part of a larger effort by the United States Mint to introduce more artistic and modern coinage.

Today, Barber quarters are popular among coin collectors due to their historical significance and attractive design. Many collectors strive to complete a set of Barber quarters, which includes all the different dates and mint marks within the series. The value of Barber quarters can vary depending on their condition, rarity, and overall demand in the numismatic market.

 

Key Dates

1896-S: The 1896-S Barber quarter is one of the most sought-after dates in the series. It has a low mintage of only 188,039 coins, making it quite scarce and valuable.

1901-S: The 1901-S Barber quarter is another important date. It is known for its "Micro S" variety, where the mint mark on the reverse is smaller than the standard size. This variety is highly coveted by collectors.

1913-S: The 1913-S Barber quarter is considered a key date due to its relatively low mintage of 40,000 coins. It is challenging to find in higher grades, making it quite valuable.

1896-O: The 1896-O Barber quarter, minted in New Orleans, has a relatively low mintage of 2,140,000 coins. It is scarce compared to other dates in the series.

1901: Although the 1901 Barber quarter has a higher mintage compared to some other key dates, it is still desirable among collectors due to its limited availability in higher grades.

1914-S: The 1914-S Barber quarter has a mintage of 264,000 coins, which is relatively low. It is often considered a semi-key date in the series.

Flowing Hair Large Cent 1793—1796

The Flowing Hair Large Cent is an early American coin that was minted from 1793 to 1796. It was the first penny struck by the United States Mint and features a depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) and a wreath on the reverse (back).

The obverse design of the Flowing Hair Large Cent features a portrait of Lady Liberty facing to the right, with her hair flowing behind her. The words "LIBERTY" and the year of minting are inscribed around the edge. The reverse design depicts a wreath with a small bow at the bottom, surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "ONE CENT."

There are two major varieties of the Flowing Hair Large Cent. The first variety, minted in 1793, does not have a denomination on the reverse. The second variety, minted from 1794 to 1796, includes the denomination "ONE CENT" on the reverse.

The Flowing Hair Large Cent was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the sole mint facility of the United States at the time.

The Flowing Hair Large Cent is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a rare coin. The value of an individual coin depends on its condition (grade), rarity, and overall desirability. Coins in better condition and with unique characteristics, such as mint errors or historical significance, tend to command higher prices.

The Flowing Hair Large Cent holds historical significance as the first official one-cent coin issued by the United States government. It represents the early years of the nation's coinage system and is a relic of American history.

Key Dates

1793: This is the inaugural year of the Flowing Hair Large Cent, and all coins from this year are considered significant. There are two major varieties of the 1793 cents: the Chain Cent and the Wreath Cent. The Chain Cent features a chain linking the 15 links of the states, symbolizing unity. The Wreath Cent replaced the Chain Cent later in 1793 and features a wreath on the reverse.

1794: The 1794 Flowing Hair Large Cent is an important date in the series. It represents the first full year of production after the introduction of the series. These coins have a lower mintage, making them scarcer and more valuable.

1795: The 1795 Flowing Hair Large Cent is another key date. It has a lower mintage compared to some of the other years in the series, adding to its desirability among collectors.

1796: The 1796 Flowing Hair Large Cent is the final year of the series and is highly sought after. It has a limited mintage, making it one of the scarcest dates in the series.

Liberty Seated Dime 1837—1891

The Liberty Seated Dime is a coin that was produced by the United States Mint from 1837 to 1891. It features a seated representation of Liberty on the obverse (front) and various designs on the reverse (back) depending on the year of issue. The coin gets its name from the depiction of Liberty seated on a rock.

The Liberty Seated Dime went through several design variations and modifications during its production years. Here's a brief overview of its history:

  The Liberty Seated Dime was designed by Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht. The first design, known as the "No Stars" variety, was introduced in 1837 and featured no stars on the obverse. The reverse displayed a wreath surrounding the denomination.

In 1838, stars were added to the obverse of the coin, representing the number of states in the Union at the time. Initially, 13 stars were included, but as more states joined the Union, additional stars were added. The reverse design remained the same during this period.

In 1853, arrows were added on both sides of the date on the obverse to signify a reduction in weight due to changes in the Mint Act. This design change was accompanied by rays emanating from the wreath on the reverse. However, the rays were deemed difficult to strike, and they were removed after 1855.

In 1860, the legend on the obverse was changed from "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" to "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." In 1866, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse above the eagle.

The design of the Liberty Seated Dime remained relatively consistent during this period. However, there were minor modifications to the legend on the obverse. In 1873, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was moved to the obverse above Liberty. In 1874, the legend was changed to "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" again.

The Liberty Seated Dime series saw several mint marks used to indicate the location where the coin was minted, such as Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). 

The Liberty Seated Dime was eventually replaced by the Barber Dime in 1892. However, its long production span and historical significance make it a popular choice among coin collectors today.

Key Dates

The 1838-O Liberty Seated Dime is considered a key date because it was the first year of production for the New Orleans Mint. It is relatively scarce and highly valued by collectors.

The 1844 Liberty Seated Dime is significant because it does not have the "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto on the reverse. This makes it one of the few dimes in the series without the motto, as it was added in 1866.

The 1851 Liberty Seated Dime is notable because it is believed that a small number of proof coins were struck that year. These proofs were not officially recorded in mint records, making them highly sought after by collectors.

The 1853-O Liberty Seated Dime is significant because it features arrows on both sides of the date and rays on the reverse. The rays were removed after 1855, making the 1853-O with rays a rare and desirable variety.

The 1871-CC Liberty Seated Dime is highly prized by collectors due to its association with the Carson City Mint. Coins minted at the Carson City Mint generally have low mintages, and the 1871-CC is no exception. It is considered one of the key dates of the series.

The 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime is significant because it is the only year in which dimes were struck at the Carson City Mint without arrows flanking the date. It has a low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors.

 

Coronet Head Cent 1808—1814

The Classic Head Cent refers to a series of United States one-cent coins that were minted from 1808 to 1814. It was designed by John Reich, who was an assistant to Chief Engraver Robert Scot at the United States Mint.

The Classic Head Cent was introduced as a replacement for the Draped Bust Cent, which had been in circulation since 1796. The design of the Classic Head Cent featured a left-facing Liberty wearing a headband inscribed with the word "Liberty." The reverse of the coin depicted a wreath encircling the denomination "One Cent" and the words "United States of America."

The initial design of the Classic Head Cent featured a plain edge. However, due to concerns about counterfeiting, a raised edge with a series of decorative dots, known as "denticles," was added in 1810.

During its production years, the Classic Head Cent underwent a few modifications. In 1816, the diameter of the coin was reduced slightly to match the size of the half dime, and the design was changed to the Coronet Head Cent.

The Classic Head Cent series saw limited production and circulation. Its mintage numbers were relatively low compared to later cent designs. Additionally, the War of 1812 disrupted coin production and caused further scarcity of these coins.

Today, Classic Head Cents are highly sought after by coin collectors. Their historical significance, limited mintage, and age contribute to their desirability. Well-preserved specimens can command high prices in the numismatic market, depending on their condition and rarity.

Key Dates

1808: The first year of the Classic Head Cent series, featuring the new design by John Reich. The 1808 Classic Head Cent is highly sought after due to its historical significance as the inaugural year of the series.

1809: The 1809 Classic Head Cent is another desirable date. It has a relatively low mintage compared to other years, making it scarce and valuable.

1811: The 1811 Classic Head Cent is considered a key date in the series due to its low mintage and scarcity. It is particularly challenging to find in higher grades, adding to its desirability.

 1814: The 1814 Classic Head Cent is the final year of the series. It has a low mintage and is often sought after by collectors as it represents the end of the Classic Head design.