Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $156 | $226 | $318 | $762 | $1,208 | $3,175 | $4,795 | $7,175 | $23,925 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $19,150 | $42,500 | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $16,800 | $28,650 | -- | -- |
| 1802/0 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1800 | BN | $32,075 | $51,850 | $74,500 | $143,500 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1802/0 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1802 | BN | $1,930 | $4,350 | $7,850 | $32,825 | $31,900 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $166 | $245 | $378 | $878 | $2,033 | $5,230 | $8,750 | $12,510 | $19,500 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $7,500 | $14,300 | $26,050 | $62,250 | $192,000 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, Stems | BN | $152 | $215 | $273 | $474 | $778 | $1,613 | $3,581 | $7,170 | $17,945 | $31,950 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $6,255 | $11,975 | $34,000 | $65,000 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, No Stems | BN | $145 | $201 | $248 | $411 | $613 | $1,453 | $3,210 | $5,950 | $17,450 | $27,550 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,105 | $8,990 | $24,680 | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, No Stems | BN | $153 | $215 | $267 | $419 | $646 | $1,594 | $4,525 | $7,265 | $25,250 | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, Stems | BN | $250 | $413 | $565 | $1,465 | $2,750 | $9,500 | $19,950 | $29,800 | -- | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Spiked Chain | BN | $161 | $226 | $295 | $578 | $913 | $2,200 | $4,330 | $7,615 | $18,000 | $36,200 |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | No Stems | BN | $150 | $226 | $284 | $496 | $1,159 | $2,130 | $5,040 | $6,655 | $25,175 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,420 | $12,710 | $25,300 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | Small 5, Stems | BN | $1,517 | $3,390 | $6,525 | $22,288 | $37,900 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | Large 5, Stems | BN | $155 | $226 | $317 | $485 | $865 | $2,475 | $6,650 | $10,475 | $24,200 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | BN | $145 | $201 | $248 | $411 | $602 | $1,420 | $3,210 | $5,950 | $17,450 | $26,450 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,100 | $5,105 | $8,990 | $26,300 | $90,000 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $19,000 | $42,500 | -- | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, Stems | BN | $425 | $783 | $1,315 | $3,183 | $4,925 | $12,800 | $39,000 | $105,000 | -- | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Lage 6, Stems | BN | $145 | $201 | $248 | $411 | $602 | $1,503 | $3,375 | $6,280 | $11,000 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Large 6, Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,150 | $5,230 | $15,740 | $17,600 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Large 6, Stems | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $14,450 | $31,810 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $153 | $212 | $273 | $485 | $928 | $2,875 | $8,240 | $24,900 | -- | -- |
The Draped Bust Half Cent, minted from 1800 to 1808, is one of the earliest U.S. coins and remains a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse features a left-facing Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust, while the reverse displays a wreath encircling “HALF CENT” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim. Collectors highly value Draped Bust Half Cents for their short production period, historical significance, and key date rarities, making them a highly sought-after series.
The Draped Bust Half Cent was introduced in 1800, replacing the Liberty Cap Half Cent. Designed by Robert Scot, this coin mirrored the Draped Bust Large Cent and other contemporary denominations, aligning U.S. coinage with neoclassical artistic trends.
During its production, the series underwent two notable modifications:
The series ended in 1808 and was replaced by the Classic Head Half Cent in 1809 as part of continued design improvements.
Collectors seek Draped Bust Half Cents for their scarcity, design variations, and connection to the early U.S. Mint. Many were struck on low-quality copper planchets, making high-grade examples extremely rare.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
Additionally, collectors seek original problem-free examples, as many surviving coins exhibit wear, corrosion, or planchet flaws.
The 1802/0 Draped Bust Half Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable early U.S. coins, with only a few known specimens. Additionally, the 1804 issue is highly sought after due to its scarcity.
The Draped Bust Half Cent is a top-tier investment coin due to its historical importance, rarity, and collector demand. Coins such as the 1802/0, 1804, and high-grade 1808 final-year issues continue to appreciate. Well-documented pedigrees and problem-free examples command the highest premiums.
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
The Draped Bust Half Cent, designed by Robert Scot, features:
Key design modifications include:
The Draped Bust Half Cent is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a direct link to the origins of the U.S. Mint and early copper coin production. With its low mintage, extreme rarity, and historical significance, this series remains among U.S. history’s most prestigious and valuable coins. Understanding its rarities, condition challenges, and market trends is essential for collectors and investors seeking to acquire Draped Bust Half Cents.
