1802 Draped Bust Half Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Half Dimes 1796-1805 series — 5th of 7 years in the series. In 1802, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 3,060. This represents the lowest annual mintage in the entire series, below the series median of 27,760. 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 (1800-1805). A legendary rarity with only about 30 known survivors from a mintage of approximately 3,060. The key date of all half dime series. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 1.35 grams, 16.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $131K to $688K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $456K in AU53 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.