Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1801-1807
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams
Edge: Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
Business Strike Mintage: 1,600,787
Proof Mintage: None
1801–1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar – Heraldic Eagle Reverse | Early American Silver with Historic Appeal
The 1801–1807 Draped Bust Half Dollars represent ... Read More
Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1801-1807
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams
Edge: Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
Business Strike Mintage: 1,600,787
Proof Mintage: None
1801–1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar – Heraldic Eagle Reverse | Early American Silver with Historic Appeal
The 1801–1807 Draped Bust Half Dollars represent the final evolution of the early Draped Bust design, first introduced in 1796. These half dollars feature a beautifully refined obverse of Miss Liberty facing right, her hair elegantly tied with a ribbon, and her draped neckline gracefully rendered in classical style. Beginning in 1801, the number of obverse stars was standardized to 13, with seven to the left and six to the right of Liberty’s portrait. The inscription LIBERTYappears above, and the date is positioned below.
The reverse adopts the powerful Heraldic Eagle motif, inspired by the Great Seal of the United States. A stoic eagle bears a shield across its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows to symbolize peace and preparedness. A scroll bearing E PLURIBUS UNUM is held in its beak, while an arc of clouds and a constellation of stars rest above. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the design.
While none of the dates from 1801 through 1807 are considered major rarities, there are several scarce die varietieswithin the series. Nearly all examples—especially those dated 1806 and 1807—are known for showing weaknesses in strike, particularly at the rims, stars, and eagle’s features. This is typical for the type and is considered characteristic rather than a flaw.
Collectors will commonly encounter these early half dollars in grades ranging from Very Good to Very Fine, with Extremely Fine specimens available but far less common. About Uncirculated pieces are notably scarce, while Uncirculated examples are genuinely rare. Even when Mint State pieces surface, they often exhibit soft definition in key design elements due to the striking limitations of the early 19th-century presses.
The Draped Bust half dollar with Heraldic Eagle reverse is an essential type for any advanced U.S. coinage collection, and a compelling addition to type sets emphasizing early federal silver. Their elegant design, connection to early American history, and collectible availability in mid-grade condition make them a popular and historically significant acquisition for serious numismatists.
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