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 | -- | $2,463 | $3,900 | $4,868 | $7,910 | $10,120 | $23,925 | $36,500 | $56,400 | $101,000 | $191,000 |
| 1796/5 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,375 | $4,675 | $5,975 | $9,708 | $14,628 | $30,425 | $39,000 | $87,125 | $156,250 | $231,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 15 Stars | -- | $2,380 | $3,763 | $4,868 | $6,780 | $9,350 | $17,700 | $27,950 | $38,725 | $72,500 | $112,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 16 stars | -- | $2,505 | $4,013 | $5,118 | $6,780 | $9,350 | $18,950 | $30,450 | $43,725 | $77,500 | $137,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | -- | $3,790 | $5,283 | $6,500 | $10,238 | $24,750 | $59,500 | $93,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,978 | $2,420 | $3,430 | $5,725 | $7,660 | $13,138 | $19,775 | $30,150 | $49,800 | $83,000 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | Libekty | -- | $2,158 | $2,600 | $3,900 | $6,500 | $8,850 | $15,350 | $22,125 | $46,995 | $49,800 | $124,500 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,169 | $2,628 | $3,568 | $5,890 | $8,174 | $19,775 | $29,600 | $58,150 | $85,750 | $117,000 |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | 35 Known | -- | $131,600 | $159,250 | $182,500 | $247,500 | $376,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $1,978 | $2,420 | $3,430 | $5,725 | $7,910 | $15,188 | $36,500 | $54,750 | $96,250 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $3,900 | $4,950 | $7,163 | $11,200 | $17,150 | $75,500 | $117,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,725 | $3,195 | $4,370 | $11,200 | $24,750 | $175,000 | $450,000 | $850,000 | -- | -- |
Overview
The Draped Bust Half Dime, minted from 1796 to 1805, is one of the earliest silver coins in U.S. history. Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair, draped in fabric, while the reverse initially depicted a small eagle surrounded by a wreath (1796-1797), later replaced with a heraldic eagle (1800-1805). Collectors highly value Draped Bust Half Dimes for their historical significance, extreme rarity, and early American artistry, making them essential to advanced numismatic collections.
History of the Draped Bust Half Dime
Introduced in 1796, the Draped Bust Half Dime replaced the Flowing Hair Half Dime, continuing the young U.S. Mint’s effort to create a unified coinage design. The design, created by Robert Scot, was reportedly based on a portrait of Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham and aimed to reflect classical European influences.
The series features two distinct reverse designs:
- Small Eagle Reverse (1796-1797) – A delicate eagle encircled by a laurel wreath.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1800-1805) – A stronger, more detailed eagle with a shield, arrows, and an olive branch inspired by the Great Seal of the United States.
Due to low mintages and primitive 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 in the denomination’s production.
Collecting Draped Bust Half Dime Coins
Collectors seek Draped Bust Half Dimes for their historical importance, artistic design, and extreme scarcity. These coins circulated heavily, making high-grade specimens particularly rare.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1796 Small Eagle – The first-year issue, a significant rarity 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.
- 1802 – The rarest and most valuable Draped Bust Half Dime, with fewer than 40 known examples.
- 1803 Large Date & Small Date Varieties – A popular collectible variety.
- 1805 – The final year of the series before production ceased.
Additionally, collectors look for well-struck examples, original surfaces, and early die states, as many surviving coins exhibit heavy wear or striking issues.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Draped Bust Half Dimes are extremely rare and are typically found only at major auctions, high-end coin dealers, and museum collections.
- Key Details to Watch For: Seek sharp Liberty details, strong eagle feathers, and full wreath definition.
- Proper Storage: Store Draped Bust Half Dimes in certified holders or temperature-controlled safes to maintain their historical integrity.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins, with an estimated fewer than 40 examples known. High-grade specimens command six-figure prices at auction, making this one of the most sought-after coins in early American numismatics.
Investment Potential
The Draped Bust Half Dime is a top-tier investment due to its extreme rarity, historical significance, and strong collector demand. Coins such as the 1796 Small Eagle, 1802, and high-grade Heraldic Eagle issues continue to appreciate in value, and well-documented pedigrees often enhance a coin’s desirability.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1796 Small Eagle – The first-year issue, highly collectible.
- 1797 Small Eagle – Scarce and difficult to find in high grades.
- 1800 Heraldic Eagle – First issue with the new reverse design.
- 1802 – One of the rarest and most valuable U.S. half dimes.
- 1803 Large Date & Small Date – A distinct variety that attracts collectors.
- 1805 – The last year of production before the denomination was discontinued for over two decades.
Notable Errors
- Overdates (e.g., 1803/2) – Some coins feature overpunched dates, indicating the reuse of dies.
- Repunched Numerals – Some dates display slight misalignment or repunched elements.
- Weak Strikes – Due to early minting techniques, many examples exhibit weakness in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s wings.
Design Features
The Draped Bust Half Dime, designed by Robert Scot, features a left-facing Liberty with flowing hair and draped clothing on the obverse. The reverse saw two distinct designs:
- Small Eagle Reverse (1796-1797): A delicate eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1800-1805): A stronger eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a shield on its chest, inspired by the Great Seal of the United States.
Conclusion
The Draped Bust Half Dime is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a rare glimpse into the nation’s first coinage efforts. With its low mintage, rare key dates, and enduring historical importance, this series remains one of the most coveted and valuable U.S. coins. Understanding its rarities, condition challenges, and market trends is essential for collectors and investors seeking to acquire Draped Bust Half Dimes.