1805 Draped Bust Half Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent is a United States cent from the Draped Bust Half Cents 1800-1808 series — 5th of 8 years in the series. In 1805, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2.4 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 638,000. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing HALF CENT. Small 5 and Large 5 varieties exist. The 1805 with stems is relatively available. Struck in copper, weighing 5.44 grams, 23.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 3 years after the celebrated 1802 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.2K to $54K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $55K in VF30 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.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(3)
1805 Draped Bust Half Cent - Large 5, Stems
1805 Draped Bust Half Cent - No Stems
1805 Draped Bust Half Cent - Small 5, Stems
Other Base Coins in This Series
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