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!
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