Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807

About This Series

With a 1796 mintage of just 3,918 pieces and a 1797 production of only 3,918 as well, the first two years of Draped Bust half dollar production created major rarities that anchor the entire early American silver series. The Small Eagle reverse appeared only in 1796-1797 before giving way to the Heraldic Eagle in 1801 — the Mint struck no half dollars at all from 1798 through 1800, a gap reflecting production priorities and bullion supply constraints. Al Overton's landmark reference work catalogs hundreds of die varieties within the Heraldic Eagle subtype (1801-1807), creating a rich field for die variety specialists. The famous 1805/4 overdate documents the Mint's economical practice of modifying previous-year dies, and the 1806 Pointed 6 and Knobbed 6 varieties illustrate the numeral punch differences that distinguish die pairs. Struck in .8924 fine silver at 13.48 grams on a 32.5mm planchet, these substantial coins represented meaningful purchasing power in the early republic — a half dollar could buy a hearty meal, a night's lodging, or a day's labor. The Overton numbering system (O-101, O-102, etc.) has become the universal language for identifying Draped Bust half dollar die marriages, and pursuing a comprehensive Overton variety collection remains one of the most intellectually engaging specialties in American numismatics.

Series Information