1799 Draped Bust Dollar

About This Coin

The 1799 Draped Bust Dollar is a United States dollar from the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series — 5th of 10 years in the series. In 1799, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 7.3 million. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above 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 5 years before the celebrated 1804 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.4K to $604K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $823K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.