1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$1,560,000 MS65+ 01-15-2023 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar is a half dollar from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807 series. With a mintage of 2,984, this is an extremely rare issue. 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 (1796-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1801-1807). Approximately 3,918 struck (likely included in 1796 count). The small eagle reverse continued. Both dates are extreme rarities. Estimated market value ranges from $47K to $1714K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 13.48 grams, 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered: fifty cents or half a dollar edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6060.
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