Design and Specifications of the Draped Bust Half Dime

The Draped Bust Half Dime was one of the first silver coins produced by the United States Mint. It replaced the Flowing Hair design and was an important part of early American commerce. The series saw a change in reverse design in 1800, transitioning from a small eagle to a heraldic eagle, reflecting the growing nation’s desire for a more formal, symbolic representation.
Weight 1.35 grams
Diameter 16.5 mm
Mint Marks No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia)
Composition 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Obverse Design Bust of Liberty facing right with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot
Reverse Design Small eagle (1796-1797) or heraldic eagle (1800-1805) with shield, designed by Robert Scot
Years of Minting 1796-1805

Collectibility and Rare Varieties

The condition of Draped Bust Half Dimes significantly impacts their value, with well-preserved examples commanding substantial premiums. Key varieties, such as the 1796 LIKERTY (misspelled LIBERTY) and the 1797 15 stars obverse, are highly sought after by collectors. The rarity of this series is further enhanced by the low survival rate of these early American coins, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.
1796 10,230 minted; extremely rare and valuable in all grades
1797 44,527 minted; very rare, especially with 15 stars on obverse
1800 40,000 minted; scarce, first year of heraldic eagle reverse
1801 27,760 minted; very rare, especially in higher grades
1803 37,850 minted; scarce, with large and small 8 varieties
1805 15,600 minted; rare, last year of issue

Explore Draped Bust Half Dime Values by Year

1796 1797 1800 1801 1802 1803 1805

Most Valuable Draped Bust Half Dime

This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.

Coin Name Circulated Price Uncirculated Price
1800 Half Dime (Regular Strike) $850.00 – $14,000.00 –
1802 Half Dime (Regular Strike) $80,000.00 – $550,000.00 –
1802 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) $75,000.00 – $550,000.00 –
1796 Half Dime Likerty (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $25,000.00 –
1796/5 Half Dime (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $32,500.00 –
1797 Half Dime 15 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $18,500.00 –
1797 Half Dime 16 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $21,000.00 –
1797 Half Dime 13 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $65,000.00 –
1800 Half Dime Libekty (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $15,000.00 –
1801 Half Dime (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $17,500.00 –
1803 Half Dime Large 8 (Regular Strike) $850.00 – $16,000.00 –
1803 Half Dime Small 8 (Regular Strike) $1,500.00 – $75,000.00 –
1805 Half Dime (Regular Strike) $1,250.00 – $85,000.00 –
1796 Half Dime LM-1, Likerty (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $25,000.00 –
1796/5 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $32,500.00 –
1797 Half Dime LM-1, 15 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $18,500.00 –
1797 Half Dime LM-2, 16 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $21,000.00 –
1797 Half Dime LM-3, 16 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,500.00 –
1797 Half Dime LM-4, 13 Stars (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $65,000.00 –
1800 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) $850.00 – $14,000.00 –
1800 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike) $5,000.00 – $25,000.00 –
1800 Half Dime LM-3, Libekty (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $15,000.00 –
1800 Half Dime LM-4, Libekty (Regular Strike) $15,000.00 –
1801 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) $7,500.00 – $12,500.00 –
1801 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike) $850.00 – $17,500.00 –
1803 Half Dime LM-2, Large 8 (Regular Strike) $1,250.00 – $15,000.00 –
1803 Half Dime LM-3, Large 8 (Regular Strike) $850.00 – $16,000.00 –
1803 Half Dime LM-1, Small 8 (Regular Strike) $1,000.00 – $70,000.00 –
1805 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) $1,250.00 – $60,000.00 –

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Chris McPherson is a lifelong collector turned shop owner who opened ChrisMcPherson's Souvenir Shop in 2005. With over 20 years as a professional antique dealer and appraiser, Chris expertly curates a selection of the most unique political, pop culture, and historic collectibles available. His passion is hunting one-of-a-kind artifacts and sharing the fascinating stories behind them. Chris graduated with a BA in American History, informing his specialty in political memorabilia. As a seasoned antique hunter, Chris utilizes his skills to deliver an ever-changing inventory of must-see relics and conversation pieces to his shop.

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