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 | $161 | $226 | $356 | $774 | $1,283.00 | $3,250.00 | $5,295.00 | $7,550.00 | $23,925.00 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17,300.00 | $29,900.00 | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17,650.00 | $45,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1802/0 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1800 | BN | $33,325.00 | $51,850.00 | $74,500.00 | $148,500.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1802/0 | (None) Phil | Reverse of 1802 | BN | $2,005.00 | $4,425.00 | $9,350.00 | $32,825.00 | $31,900.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $183 | $270 | $378 | $903 | $1,875.00 | $5,135.00 | $7,155.00 | $9,850.00 | $22,150.00 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,500.00 | $14,300.00 | $36,800.00 | $64,750.00 | $212,000.00 |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, Stems | BN | $152 | $207 | $273 | $444 | $765 | $1,613.00 | $3,581.00 | $4,439.00 | $19,195.00 | $33,200.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Spiked Chain | BN | $161 | $218 | $295 | $616 | $888 | $2,450.00 | $4,580.00 | $6,365.00 | $19,250.00 | $35,700.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, Stems | BN | $270 | $458 | $603 | $1,490.00 | $2,750.00 | $10,250.00 | $21,200.00 | $34,800.00 | -- | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, No Stems | BN | $153 | $207 | $267 | $389 | $633 | $1,594.00 | $5,275.00 | $7,140.00 | $27,250.00 | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $6,630.00 | $12,725.00 | $36,500.00 | $75,000.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, No Stems | BN | $145 | $194 | $248 | $381 | $600 | $1,453.00 | $3,460.00 | $5,200.00 | $18,700.00 | $28,800.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,855.00 | $9,240.00 | $24,680.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | No Stems | BN | $170 | $235 | $300 | $482 | $891 | $2,295.00 | $5,510.00 | $7,500.00 | $25,175.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $9,670.00 | $15,210.00 | $25,300.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | Small 5, Stems | BN | $1,604.00 | $3,640.00 | $6,650.00 | $21,538.00 | $39,150.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | Large 5, Stems | BN | $155 | $218 | $317 | $455 | $990 | $2,725.00 | $7,525.00 | $11,975.00 | $24,200.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | BN | $145 | $194 | $248 | $381 | $589 | $1,420.00 | $3,460.00 | $5,200.00 | $18,700.00 | $27,700.00 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,250.00 | $4,855.00 | $9,240.00 | $26,300.00 | $75,000.00 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, No Stems | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $13,700.00 | $30,050.00 | $33,000.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Small 6, Stems | BN | $425 | $758 | $1,315.00 | $3,183.00 | $4,925.00 | $12,800.00 | $39,000.00 | $120,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Lage 6, Stems | BN | $145 | $194 | $248 | $381 | $589 | $1,503.00 | $3,625.00 | $5,530.00 | $11,000.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Large 6, Stems | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,250.00 | $4,855.00 | $11,740.00 | $17,600.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Large 6, Stems | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $13,700.00 | $33,060.00 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $153 | $205 | $273 | $455 | $928 | $3,125.00 | $8,740.00 | $24,900.00 | -- | -- |
The Draped Bust Half Cent, minted from 1800 to 1808, is one of the earliest U.S. coins and remains an important issue in early American numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot and based in part on a portrait by the American artist Gilbert Stuart, this coin mirrored the Draped Bust Large Cent and other contemporary denominations, aligning U.S. coinage with neoclassical artistic trends. The series ended in 1808 and was replaced by the Classic Head Half Cent in 1809 as part of continued design improvements.
The Draped Bust Half Cent, designed by Robert Scot, features a right-facing Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust inspired by classical European portraiture on the obverse. On the reverse, a laurel wreath encircles “HALF CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
Beginners can study Draped Bust Half Cents, but the series is challenging to collect because of its rarity and cost. Those who wish to start should focus on affordable lower-grade pieces from reputable dealers or auctions. Look for clear date numerals, distinct Liberty hair detail, and a well-defined wreath. Store coins in certified holders to limit oxidation.
This series generally suits experienced collectors, as high-grade examples, original surfaces, and major varieties are scarce and expensive. Key coins such as the 1802/0 overdate and high-grade 1808 pieces often command solid premiums. Completing a full set or variety collection requires expertise, patience, and a substantial budget.
Collectors value the Draped Bust Half Cent for its place in U.S. coinage history due to its early place in U.S. coinage history, relative scarcity, and artistic significance. While not all dates are rare, well-preserved examples and certain varieties command notable premiums in the numismatic market.
Among the most desirable pieces are the 1802/0 overdate, 1804 varieties, and select high-grade 1808 final-year issues. The 1802/0 Half Cent is especially noteworthy. It was struck from dies originally dated 1800 and re-engraved with an 1802 date, creating a distinct overdate variety. Though not unique, surviving examples in high grades are rare and highly sought after.
