Draped Bust Dollar Values
How Much Draped Bust Dollars are Worth: Draped Bust Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Off-Centered Bust | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,200 | $9,880 | $14,525 | $61,100 | $145,250 | $215,750 | $409,250 | $768,750 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Centered Bust | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,200 | $9,880 | $14,525 | $55,600 | $145,250 | $215,750 | $409,250 | $768,750 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Small Letters | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,200 | $9,880 | $17,025 | $153,500 | $378,750 | $522,500 | $835,000 | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Small Date, Large Letters | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,200 | $10,243 | $15,570 | $135,500 | $275,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Large Date, Small Letters | -- | $3,278 | $4,148 | $5,310 | $10,540 | $14,525 | $90,700 | $174,250 | $286,250 | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 9X7 Stars, Large Letters | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,420 | $10,243 | $15,775 | $63,900 | $151,025 | $242,975 | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 10x6 Stars | -- | $3,195 | $4,038 | $5,200 | $9,880 | $14,525 | $55,600 | $145,250 | $240,750 | $368,500 | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 9X7 Stars, Small Letters | -- | $3,708 | $6,000 | $10,500 | $26,000 | $76,300 | $135,500 | $235,000 | $365,000 | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Pointed 9, 4 Lines | -- | $1,750 | $2,500 | $3,250 | $6,000 | $8,500 | $40,000 | $75,000 | $175,000 | $250,000 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 5 Stripes | -- | $1,825 | $2,497 | $3,202 | $5,395 | $8,932 | $30,960 | $59,400 | $99,000 | $211,200 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | 10 Arrows | -- | $1,825 | $2,372 | $3,202 | $5,395 | $8,432 | $29,710 | $69,700 | $99,000 | $211,200 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Wide Date | -- | $1,632 | $2,279 | $2,956 | $4,895 | $7,146 | $27,675 | $79,750 | $116,250 | $263,000 | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Knob 9, 5 Lines | -- | $2,000 | $2,750 | $3,750 | $7,500 | $9,000 | $35,000 | $85,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle, 15 stars | -- | $3,540 | $4,813 | $6,775 | $14,525 | $35,400 | $135,500 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle, 13 Stars | -- | $3,375 | $4,343 | $5,863 | $12,725 | $27,100 | $150,750 | $286,250 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Large Eagle | -- | $1,563 | $2,185 | $2,835 | $4,538 | $28,495 | $25,175 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $188,000 | -- |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,563 | $2,185 | $2,835 | $4,538 | $6,860 | $25,175 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $188,000 | $271,000 |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Irregular Date, 13 Stars | -- | $1,757 | $2,279 | $3,081 | $5,395 | $9,400 | $28,500 | $64,175 | $128,900 | -- | -- |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Obverse Stars 8X5 | -- | $1,632 | $2,279 | $3,000 | $5,423 | $10,175 | $45,375 | $100,000 | $153,500 | -- | -- |
| 1799/8 | (None) Phil | 15 Reverse Stars | -- | $1,632 | $2,372 | $3,077 | $4,895 | $7,146 | $27,100 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $188,000 | $271,000 |
| 1799/8 | (None) Phil | 13 Reverse Stars | -- | $1,632 | $2,372 | $3,077 | $4,895 | $7,146 | $25,450 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $188,000 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | AMERICAI | -- | $1,787 | $2,547 | $3,142 | $5,200 | $8,075 | $33,750 | $75,500 | $127,250 | $220,000 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | Wide Date, Low 8 | -- | $1,590 | $2,227 | $2,890 | $4,648 | $7,025 | $27,250 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $176,000 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,590 | $2,227 | $2,890 | $4,648 | $7,529 | $26,000 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $188,000 | $275,000 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | 12 Arrows | -- | $1,662 | $2,227 | $2,890 | $4,648 | $7,025 | $26,000 | $57,250 | $82,500 | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | Dotted Date | -- | $1,662 | $2,324 | $3,017 | $4,838 | $8,889 | $29,750 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $176,000 | $275,000 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,632 | $2,372 | $2,890 | $5,088 | $7,163 | $30,725 | $95,500 | $168,750 | $338,750 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,632 | $2,295 | $3,077 | $4,895 | $7,146 | $25,175 | $57,250 | $103,750 | $200,500 | $242,000 |
| 1802/1 | (None) Phil | SRS: R4 | -- | $1,750 | $2,500 | $3,250 | $5,500 | $8,000 | $40,000 | $125,000 | $200,000 | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small 3 | -- | $1,632 | $2,295 | $2,973 | $5,088 | $10,495 | $35,125 | $120,300 | $200,000 | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large 3 | -- | $1,632 | $2,279 | $2,835 | $4,730 | $7,800 | $36,800 | $116,250 | $271,000 | $638,750 | -- |
Draped Bust Dollar: The Foundation of Early U.S. Coinage
Minted from 1795 to 1803, the Draped Bust Dollar represents one of the earliest attempts at establishing a stable and respected currency in the fledgling United States. Designed by Robert Scot, this coin set the stage for future U.S. silver dollars, featuring a graceful portrait of Liberty with flowing drapery and a bold eagle emblem on the reverse. With its limited mintage, early American heritage, and artistic appeal, the Draped Bust Dollar remains a prized possession for collectors.
Origins and Refinements in Design
The Draped Bust Dollar debuted in 1795, replacing the Flowing Hair Dollar in an effort to refine the appearance of American coinage. The obverse features Liberty with draped fabric over her shoulders, while the reverse initially bore a small eagle encircled by a wreath.
By 1798, the reverse underwent a significant redesign, adopting the Heraldic Eagle, modeled after the Great Seal of the United States. This transition resulted in two distinct subtypes within the series:
- Small Eagle Reverse (1795–1797) – Features a delicate eagle within a wreath, reminiscent of earlier American coin designs.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1798–1803) – Displays a more powerful eagle with a shield, arrows, and an olive branch, symbolizing national strength.
Why Collectors Covet the Draped Bust Dollar
With its short mintage period, design evolution, and connection to the nation’s formative years, the Draped Bust Dollar is a cornerstone of early American numismatics. Surviving examples, especially those with strong strikes and original surfaces, are rare and highly valuable.
Collector’s Guide: Key Factors to Consider
- Where to Acquire One: Due to their scarcity, Draped Bust Dollars are primarily found at prestigious numismatic auctions and high-end coin dealers.
- Distinctive Features: Look for sharp details in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s wings, as weak strikes were common.
- Storage and Preservation: Encapsulation in certified holders or controlled environments is essential to protect these historic coins.
The Holy Grail: The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is among the most famous rarities in U.S. coinage. Though officially dated 1804, these coins were struck years later (in the 1830s) as presentation pieces for diplomatic gifts. With only fifteen known examples, it remains one of the most coveted coins in the world, often commanding millions at auction.
Investment Appeal of Draped Bust Dollars
This series is a premier investment choice due to its historical value, limited surviving population, and demand among elite collectors. Prices for well-preserved specimens continue to rise, making the Draped Bust Dollar a stable and appreciating numismatic asset. They contain 0.7738 troy ounces of silver, but their numismatic value dwarfs the intrinsic value.
Key Dates and Collectible Varieties
Some of the most notable issues in the series include:
- 1795 Draped Bust Dollar – The first issue, making it a must-have for early U.S. coin enthusiasts.
- 1799 Draped Bust Dollar – The most commonly available date, yet still highly desirable.
- 1804 Draped Bust Dollar – Considered the “King of American Coins” due to its rarity and legendary status.
Scot’s Influence on Early U.S. Coinage
Robert Scot’s Draped Bust design helped establish a refined and elegant aesthetic for American coinage, influencing subsequent designs across multiple denominations. His adaptation of the Heraldic Eagle further reinforced the national identity that would shape future numismatic art.
Why Buy Draped Bust Dollars?
The Draped Bust Dollar is a testament to the artistry and ambition of the early United States. Whether collected for its historical impact, investment potential, or exquisite design, this coin remains a prestigious and highly sought-after piece in American numismatics.
