Draped Bust Half Dime Values
How Much Draped Bust Half Dimes are Worth: Draped Bust Half Dime 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | Likerty | -- | $2,563.00 | $3,900.00 | $4,868.00 | $8,160.00 | $10,370.00 | $23,925.00 | $37,750.00 | $56,400.00 | $101,000.00 | $191,000.00 |
| 1796/5 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,375.00 | $4,675.00 | $5,975.00 | $9,708.00 | $14,628.00 | $30,425.00 | $39,000.00 | $87,125.00 | $156,250.00 | $231,000.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 15 Stars | -- | $2,480.00 | $3,763.00 | $4,868.00 | $6,905.00 | $8,850.00 | $17,700.00 | $27,950.00 | $38,725.00 | $72,500.00 | $112,000.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 16 stars | -- | $2,505.00 | $4,138.00 | $5,118.00 | $6,530.00 | $9,600.00 | $18,950.00 | $30,450.00 | $43,725.00 | $77,500.00 | $137,000.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | -- | $4,725.00 | $5,970.00 | $7,505.00 | $12,850.00 | $28,050.00 | $86,000.00 | $191,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,978.00 | $2,420.00 | $3,430.00 | $5,725.00 | $7,660.00 | $13,138.00 | $19,775.00 | $30,150.00 | $49,800.00 | $83,000.00 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | Libekty | -- | $2,158.00 | $2,600.00 | $3,950.00 | $6,500.00 | $8,850.00 | $15,350.00 | $22,125.00 | $44,495.00 | $52,300.00 | $124,500.00 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,169.00 | $2,628.00 | $3,568.00 | $5,890.00 | $8,174.00 | $20,275.00 | $32,100.00 | $65,650.00 | $95,750.00 | $122,000.00 |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | 35 Known | -- | $125,000.00 | $156,500.00 | $182,500.00 | $247,500.00 | $401,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $1,978.00 | $2,420.00 | $3,430.00 | $5,725.00 | $7,910.00 | $15,188.00 | $37,500.00 | $54,750.00 | $96,250.00 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $4,275.00 | $5,450.00 | $7,163.00 | $11,200.00 | $17,150.00 | $75,500.00 | $117,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,835.00 | $3,415.00 | $4,700.00 | $12,300.00 | $25,850.00 | $175,000.00 | $450,000.00 | $850,000.00 | -- | -- |
History of the Draped Bust Half Dime
The Draped Bust Half Dime, minted from 1796 to 1805, is one of the earliest silver coins in U.S. history and replaced the Flowing Hair Half Dime. Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse is speculated to be a portrait of Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham and aimed to reflect classical European influences.
The obverse features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair, draped in fabric. The reverse depicts an eagle surrounded by a wreath (1796-1797), later replaced with a heraldic eagle (1800-1805). “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is on the outside of the reverse design. The series features two distinct reverse designs:
- Small Eagle Reverse (1796-1797): A small eagle encircled by a laurel wreath.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1800-1805): A larger heraldic eagle with a shield, arrows, and an olive branch inspired by the Great Seal of the United States.
Due to low mintages and early striking technology, surviving examples are rare, with many showing signs of weak strikes and planchet flaws. The Draped Bust Half Dime was replaced by the Capped Bust Half Dime in 1829, following a nearly 25-year hiatus.
Rarest Coins in the Series
The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins, with an estimated fewer than 35 examples known. High-grade specimens can sell for six-figure prices at auction, making this one of the most sought-after coins in early American numismatics.
- 1796 Small Eagle: The first-year issue, a scarce key date in U.S. coinage.
- 1797 Small Eagle: Similar to the 1796 issue, but even rarer in high grades.
- 1800 Heraldic Eagle: The first year of the new reverse design, marking a significant transition.
- 1803 Large Date & Small Date Varieties: A popular collectible variety.
- 1805: The final year of the series before production ceased.
Types of Collections
- Type Set: Collect both the Small Eagle reverse (1796–1797) and the Heraldic Eagle reverse (1800–1805).
- Date Set: This set exposes you to the rarity and value differentials between years, notably the ultra-rare 1802.
- Mint Error Set: Build a collection featuring notable varieties within each date, such as the 1796/5 overdate, different star configurations (13, 15, and 16 stars in 1797), 1800 “LIBEKTY” error, and 1803 “Small 8” vs. “Large 8.” These sets reward deep research, but their price and complexity increase rapidly.
- Condition/Grade Set: Prioritize obtaining coins at a certain grade across types or dates, which can highlight the challenge of acquiring high-grade early silver coinage.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Draped Bust Half Dimes are very scarce and expensive. Those who wish to explore the series can begin with lower-grade or more common examples from reputable dealers or auctions. Focus on clear Liberty details, well-defined eagle feathers, and a well-formed wreath. Store all pieces in certified holders.
Advanced Collecting
This series generally suits experienced collectors because surviving examples are few and acquisition costs are high. Many dates appear only at major auctions or specialized dealers, and key issues such as the 1802, with fewer than 35 known examples, can exceed $100,000. Building even a partial set requires expertise and patience.
Investment Potential
The Draped Bust Half Dime can be an attractive long-term hold because of its rarity, historical significance, and strong collector demand. Coins such as the 1796 Small Eagle, 1802, and high-grade Heraldic Eagle issues have shown strong price performance.