Draped Bust Half Dime (1796 - 1805)

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Draped Bust Half Dime (1796–1805)

The Draped Bust Half Dime, introduced in 1796, is a highly sought-after series in U.S. coinage history. Designed by Robert Scot, this coin represents the early artistry and practical challenges of minting in the formative years of the U.S. Mint. Two distinct reverse designs were featured during its production: the Small Eagle (1796–1797) and the Heraldic Eagle (1800–1805).

Coin Specifications

  • Designer: Robert Scot
  • Issue Dates: 1796–1805 (No coins minted in 1798, 1799, or 1804)
  • Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
  • Diameter: 16.5 mm
  • Weight: 1.34 grams (20.8 grains)
  • Edge: Reeded

Type 1: Draped Bust, Small Eagle (1796–1797)

Design Details

  • Obverse:

    • Features Miss Liberty with flowing hair and drapery, facing right.
    • Ribbon behind her head with stars surrounding (eight on the left, seven on the right in 1796; variations with 13, 15, or 16 stars in 1797).
    • LIBERTY is inscribed above, and the date below.

  • Reverse:

    • Displays a small eagle perched on a cloud, surrounded by an open wreath.
    • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the design.
    • No denomination is indicated.

Mintage & Rarity

  • Business Strike Mintage: 54,757
  • Availability:
    • Most surviving coins are in lower grades (About Good to Fine).
    • Extremely Fine and AU specimens are rare, and Uncirculated examples are exceedingly scarce.
    • Striking challenges and adjustment marks are common, particularly on the reverse eagle.

Type 2: Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle (1800–1805)

Design Details

  • Obverse:

    • Retains the Draped Bust of Miss Liberty with stars standardized to seven on the left and six on the right.

  • Reverse:

    • Features a heraldic eagle inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, with:
      • Shield on its breast.
      • Arrows and an olive branch in its talons.
      • Ribbon inscribed with E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak.
      • Stars and clouds above the eagle.
    • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the design, with no denomination indicated.

Mintage & Rarity

  • Business Strike Mintage: 124,270
  • Availability:
    • Coins are scarce, particularly in grades above Very Fine.
    • The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime is a key rarity, with only about three dozen known survivors, most grading About Good to Fine.

Collecting Draped Bust Half Dimes

Challenges in Collecting

  • Condition Rarity:

    • Many examples are weakly struck, especially on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.
    • Adjustment marks, created during planchet preparation, are common but accepted by collectors.

  • Notable Varieties:

    • 1796/5 Overdate: An intriguing overdate variety where a 1795 die was repurposed.
    • 1797 Star Variations: Coins feature 13, 15, or 16 stars, reflecting an evolving star count as new states joined the Union.

Market Insights

  • Early Draped Bust Half Dimes are among the most difficult U.S. coins to locate in high grades.
  • While worn examples are accessible, Uncirculated specimens command a premium due to their rarity and historical significance.

Historical Significance

The Draped Bust Half Dime bridges the gap between the fledgling U.S. Mint’s early struggles and its growing capability. These coins were struck during a period of innovation and experimentation, reflecting the challenges of creating a functional and visually appealing national coinage.

  • Mint Suspension: After 1805, half dime production was halted for 24 years, resuming only in 1829 with the introduction of the Capped Bust Half Dime.

Explore Draped Bust Half Dimes at ParadimeCoins.com

At ParadimeCoins.com, we specialize in rare and historic U.S. coins. Whether you're building a type set or seeking key rarities like the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dime or the elusive 1802 Heraldic Eagle, our curated selection offers coins of exceptional quality. Let us help you add a piece of American history to your collection!