1798 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Eagle, 15 Stars

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1798

Denomination

Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804

Designer

Robert Scot/John Eckstein

Mintage (whole issue)

327,536

Composition

89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper

Weight

26.96g

Diameter

40mm

Edge

Lettered: HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT

Value Estimates

$1,175 - $26,817

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $129,250
Sold: 15 November 2013
Grade: AU58+
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

A dollar from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1798 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Eagle, 15 Stars belongs to the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series. The Mint reported 327,536 dollars for calendar year 1798, Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle together; Q. David Bowers estimated about 35,000 of them were Small Eagle dollars dated 1798. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, a portrait traditionally credited to Gilbert Stuart, and the reverse displays a small eagle standing on a cloud, inside an open wreath. The heraldic eagle reverse was introduced, replacing the small eagle. Multiple die varieties exist, including the "knob 9" and "pointed 9" varieties. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 26.96 grams, 40 mm in diameter, with a lettered: hundred cents one dollar or unit edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6868.