Draped Bust Half Dollar Values
How Much Draped Bust Half Dollars are Worth: Draped Bust Half 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | 15 Stars | -- | $43,700 | $53,950 | $63,900 | $122,300 | $158,750 | $294,500 | $401,000 | $567,000 | -- | -- |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | 16 Stars | -- | $43,700 | $53,950 | $63,900 | $122,300 | $158,750 | $307,000 | $426,000 | $592,000 | $1,054,000 | $1,825,000 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $43,700 | $53,950 | $63,900 | $122,300 | $168,750 | $299,500 | $401,000 | $567,000 | $1,054,000 | $1,907,500 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,715 | $2,393 | $3,085 | $6,610 | $15,280 | $88,500 | $200,500 | $406,500 | -- | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,088 | $2,820 | $3,730 | $6,800 | $15,790 | $78,800 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large 3 | -- | $498 | $617 | $963 | $2,490 | $3,845 | $22,550 | $85,250 | $178,500 | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small 3 | -- | $545 | $753 | $1,120 | $3,195 | $4,535 | $32,500 | $99,900 | $228,400 | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $448 | $589 | $1,054 | $2,283 | $3,970 | $26,150 | $49,250 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805/4 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,010 | $1,675 | $2,145 | $4,430 | $8,575 | $39,000 | $91,250 | $117,000 | $171,500 | -- |
| 1806/5 | (None) Phil | Large Stars | -- | $460 | $623 | $935 | $2,255 | $4,040 | $13,000 | $54,250 | $72,500 | $121,750 | $233,750 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Knob 6, Small Stars | -- | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Knob 6, No Stem | -- | $70,250 | $83,000 | $102,900 | $145,250 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Pointed 6, No Stem | -- | $404 | $567 | $763 | $1,726 | $2,490 | $10,650 | $20,200 | $49,995 | $135,500 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Pointed 6, Stem | -- | $404 | $567 | $763 | $1,726 | $2,490 | $8,800 | $17,450 | $26,150 | $99,000 | $182,500 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | 6 Over Inverted 6 | -- | $518 | $896 | $1,508 | $4,675 | $8,075 | $32,500 | $59,750 | $88,000 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $404 | $567 | $763 | $1,726 | $2,490 | $8,800 | $17,450 | $26,150 | $85,250 | $160,500 |
Draped Bust Half Dollar: A Relic of Early American Coinage
Minted between 1796 and 1807, the Draped Bust Half Dollar is a cherished artifact of early U.S. coinage. Designed by Robert Scot, the coin features a graceful portrait of Liberty framed by flowing drapery, a stark contrast to the more rigid designs that preceded it. This series, issued in both Small Eagle (1796–1797) and Heraldic Eagle (1801–1807) varieties, remains highly sought after due to its rarity, artistry, and connection to America’s formative years.
Historical Development and Modifications
The Draped Bust Half Dollar was introduced in 1796, reflecting a shift toward more refined and sophisticated coin designs under the direction of the U.S. Mint. The coin’s obverse showcases Lady Liberty with a ribbon in her hair, while the reverse initially featured a delicate Small Eagle perched within an open wreath.
Due to striking inefficiencies and criticism of the Small Eagle design, the reverse was revised in 1801, adopting the more imposing Heraldic Eagle, modeled after the Great Seal of the United States. This redesign significantly altered the coin’s visual impact and laid the groundwork for future American coinage aesthetics.
Why Collectors Prize the Draped Bust Half Dollar
Collectors gravitate toward the Draped Bust Half Dollar due to its historical importance, limited mintage, and the challenge of finding well-preserved examples. The early minting process led to inconsistent strikes, making high-quality specimens particularly scarce. This adds to the appeal for numismatists seeking pieces that embody the artistry and craftsmanship of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Collector’s Checklist: Identifying Key Attributes
- Where to Search: Draped Bust Half Dollars are rare but occasionally surface at elite auctions, numismatic expos, and from specialized coin dealers.
- Characteristics to Examine: Seek coins with strong details, full denticles, and minimal wear on Liberty’s features, as these elements greatly influence value.
- Preservation Tips: Store these coins in controlled environments such as encapsulated holders or certified grading slabs to maintain their integrity.
The Pinnacle of Draped Bust Half Dollar Rarity
Among the most coveted coins in this series is the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar, which marks the first year of production and boasts a mintage of just 3,918 coins. Due to extreme scarcity, examples in any condition command significant premiums, with some reaching six-figure auction results.
Investment Viability of Draped Bust Half Dollars
This series presents strong investment potential due to its historical prominence, low survival rate, and consistent demand from collectors. Early American coinage has remained a cornerstone of numismatic portfolios, with well-preserved Draped Bust Half Dollars appreciating steadily over time.
Noteworthy Dates and Scarce Varieties
Key issues that capture collector interest include:
- 1796 Small Eagle – The first-year issue, incredibly rare and highly valued.
- 1797 Small Eagle – Slightly higher mintage than 1796 but still an extreme rarity.
- 1805/4 Overdate – A well-known variety resulting from a repunched date.
- Significant Errors: Look for off-center strikes, double dies, and adjustment marks, which can enhance collectability.
Artistic Influence and Coin Design
Robert Scot’s Draped Bust design was a marked improvement over earlier American coinage, introducing an elegance inspired by contemporary European portraiture. With its shielded eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, the Heraldic Eagle reverse symbolized strength and unity in the early republic. This design set the stage for many of the coin motifs that followed.
Why Buy Draped Bust Half Dollars?
The Draped Bust Half Dollar is a pivotal piece of American numismatic history. Whether acquired for investment purposes, historical appreciation, or artistic admiration, this series offers collectors an opportunity to own a piece of the nation’s earliest coinage. Careful research, proper storage, and knowledge of key varieties will help secure a valuable addition to any collection.
