How to Identify the Draped Bust Half Dollar
The Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807) shows a more classical, draped portrait of Liberty and was struck with either a small eagle or heraldic eagle reverse.
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What It Is
The Draped Bust Half Dollar was struck in two short spans: 1796-1797 with a small eagle reverse, and 1801-1807 with a heraldic eagle reverse (no half dollars were struck 1798-1800). The obverse design, based on a portrait attributed to artist Gilbert Stuart, replaced the earlier Flowing Hair type.
Obverse Design
Liberty's bust faces right, draped with fabric over her shoulder, hair pulled back and tied with a ribbon. Stars surround the portrait and the date is below.
Reverse Design
The 1796-1797 issues show a small, delicate eagle perched on a rock within a wreath, matching the earlier Flowing Hair reverse style. The 1801-1807 issues instead show a larger heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, arrows and an olive branch in its talons, and a ribbon reading "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in its beak.
Size, Weight & Metal
These coins are struck in approximately 89.2% silver, weigh about 13.48 grams, and measure roughly 32.5 mm across, with a lettered edge similar to the earlier Flowing Hair half dollar.
Mint Marks
None of these coins carry mint marks; all were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only U.S. mint operating at the time.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
The reverse eagle style is the fastest way to place a Draped Bust half dollar in time: a small eagle in a wreath points to 1796-1797 (extremely rare), while a large heraldic eagle with a shield points to 1801-1807. Compared to the following Capped Bust design (starting 1807), Liberty's uncapped, draped portrait is the clear distinguishing feature.
Grading at a Glance
Wear shows first on Liberty's bust and hair, and on the eagle's breast and wing tops on the reverse. Because these coins were hand-struck with less consistent pressure than later coinage, some areas may appear soft even on lightly circulated pieces, so compare high points against known unworn details rather than judging by sharpness alone.
Authenticity Red Flags
The 1796-1797 small eagle dates are exceptionally rare and valuable, making them frequent targets for alteration, such as reworking a common 1801-1807 date to resemble the rarer years, or pairing a genuine obverse with a mismatched reverse. Confirm that the edge lettering is present and correctly formed, and be wary of soft, indistinct devices or an edge that looks re-engraved or filed, both signs of tampering.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the two reverse types?
1796-1797 coins show a small eagle in a wreath, while 1801-1807 coins show a larger heraldic eagle with a shield.
Why is there a gap between 1797 and 1801?
No half dollars were struck from 1798 to 1800 while the Mint focused on other denominations and dealt with silver bullion supply issues.
Does this coin have a mint mark?
No, all Draped Bust half dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only U.S. mint operating at the time.
How can I tell this from a Capped Bust half dollar?
The Draped Bust design shows Liberty bare-headed with flowing, tied-back hair, while the Capped Bust design (starting 1807) shows her wearing a cloth cap.