1797 Draped Bust Dollar

About This Coin

The 1797 Draped Bust Dollar is a United States dollar from the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series — 3rd of 10 years in the series. In 1797, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 23,328. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 85,560. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1804). Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27 grams, 40 mm in diameter, with a lettered: hundred cents one dollar or unit edge. Produced 7 years before the celebrated 1804 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $2.5K to $106K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $441K in MS64+ grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot/John Eckstein.