Draped Bust Half-Dollars
(1796 - 1807)
The Draped Bust Half Dollar succeeded the Flowing Hair design and features a more refined portrait of Liberty attributed to artist Gilbert Stuart, with engraving work by Robert Scot. The obverse presents Liberty with draped clothing and flowing hair, while the reverse initially displayed a Small Eagle (1796–1797) before transitioning to the Heraldic Eagle design (1798–1807).
These coins were struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weighing approximately 13.48 grams. In 1837, the standard silver fineness was later adjusted across U.S. coinage, but Draped Bust halves retain the earlier composition.
The 1796 issue is a key date due to its limited mintage, and early varieties within the series are avidly collected. As a short-lived early federal type, Draped Bust half dollars remain historically important and scarce in higher grades.
Check out dates & mintages for Draped Bust Half-Dollars, below.Business Strikes
Type 1, Small Eagle
1796 | 1,500
1797 | 2,418
Type 2, Large Eagle
1801 | 30,289
1802 | 29,890
1803 | 188,234
1805 | 211,722
1806 | 839,576
1807 | 301,076
If You Collect U.S. Half-Dollar Coins, Check Out The ‘U.S. 20th Century’ Type Set!
‘Coin Collecting Tools’ is Going Mobile
StackHub is an excellent tool for coin collectors & precious metals enthusiasts of all levels. Your app subscription will come complete with:
100+ prebuilt collection checklists to choose from
Collect graded or ungraded coins, your choice
Upload images of your own set to take on the go
Precious Metals stack tracking
Every coin collecting guide at your fingertips
Compatible with mobile & desktop
Click HERE to learn moreStackHub is an excellent tool for coin collectors & precious metals enthusiasts of all levels. Your app subscription will come complete with:
100+ prebuilt collection checklists to choose from
Collect graded or ungraded coins, your choice
Upload images of your own set to take on the go
Precious Metals stack tracking
Every coin collecting guide at your fingertips
Compatible with mobile & desktop
Click HERE to learn more*During checkout, please use the email address that you’d like associated with your StackHub account. You will receive an invitation to that email address directly from the platform when your account is ready. Account creation may take up to 12 hours from the time of checkout*
Check Out Our Guide to Identifying U.S. Constitutional Silver Coins
Think you might have silver coins in your pocket change? Learn the quick ways to spot United States Coinage made of silver by date, edge color, weight, and more.
Click HERE for the full guide
What is a Type Set in Coin Collecting?
A type set is one of the most exciting and customizable ways to collect coins — instead of hunting every date and mint mark, you collect one example of each major design. It’s a perfect mix of variety, history, and flexibility. Whether you focus on U.S. coins, world coins, or just one denomination, type sets can fit any budget and skill level.
This site and all of its content was built by collectors for collectors. Join thousands who already trust CoinCollectingTools.com for reliable & accurate information, expert tips, and a connected community on social media. Follow us on YouTube & TikTok @CentsMakeDollars to make sure you never miss a new online resource designed to sharpen your knowledge and collecting strategies.