Learn About George Washington Draped Bust Tokens – 1783
The Draped Bust George Washington tokens all bear the date 1783. Like the Military Bust Tokens, they were also actually struck in the 1820-1840 period. It is very likely that these were struck in Birmingham, England due to the style of the design and the letters edging used.
The obverse features a bust of George Washington, facing left, wearing a laurel wreath on his head. He is draped in a toga of sorts, like the ancient ones before him. Around the periphery is inscribed “WASHINGTON & INDEPENDENCE” and the date “1783.”
The reverse is very similar to that on the Military Bust Tokens, with a seated Miss Liberty on a rock, surrounded by water. In her right hand is a pole with a cap atop it and in her left hand is an olive branch. The legend at the top periphery is “UNITED STATES.”
There are six major types of George Washington Draped Bust Tokens as follows:
- No Button at Drapery
- With Button at Drapery
- Draped Bust, Brass
- Copper Restrike, Plain Edge
- Copper Restrike, Engrailed Edge
- Silver Restrike, Engrailed Edge
The second variety is distinguished because it has a button on the drapery at the neck. Other than that, it is similar in all other respects to the first variety.
The third variety of George Washington Draped Bust Tokens is a George Washington Draped Bust, struck in Brass, which was made in very limited quantities and is rare.
The next variety of George Washington Draped Bust Token is a Copper Restrike, with a Plain Edge. The restrike was likely struck in the 1840s however the number of Tokens struck and the exact time frame of striking these are unknown. Unlike the remaining restrike varieties, these were such in sufficient quantities as to be affordable for the average collector.
The fifth variety is another Copper Restrike, but this one has an Engrailed Edge. It is very scarce in comparison to the Plain Edge variety.
The sixth and final variety is the 1783 George Washington Draped Bust Token, struck in Silver with an Engrailed Edge. It is Very Rare and expensive in relation to the other Draped Bust Tokens.
| Date | Type | Mintage | Fine Value | Unc Value |
| 1783 | No Button | Unknown | $100 | $1,750 |
| 1783 | With Button | Unknown | $150 | $4,000 |
| 1783 | Brass Strike | Rare | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| 1783 | Copper Restrike, Plain Edge | Unknown | $175 | $900 |
| 1783 | Copper Restrike, Engrailed Edge | Scarce | $750 | $2,000 |
| 1783 | Silver Restrike, Engrailed Edge | Rare | $1,250 | $5,000 |
Expand your collection today and shop our assortment of rare U.S. coins.
