Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Heraldic Eagle Reverse)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1800
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00)
Composition: 89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper
Brief Description
An early American silver dollar featuring the Draped Bust Liberty on the obverse and a Heraldic Eagle with a shield on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Early U.S. silver dollars are iconic remnants of the young Republic's coinage. The 1800 issue represents one of the final years of the Draped Bust series before silver dollar production was suspended in 1804 for over 30 years.
Estimated Value
$1,000 - $2,500 in lower circulated grades (VG-VF); $5,000 - $15,000+ in Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated; much higher for Mint State. (Note: This specific specimen shows signs of cleaning/harsh surface texture which significantly reduces market value).
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free archival flip or a hard plastic holder. Handle only by the edges while wearing gloves.
Mint Mark
None (All were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Mintage of approximately 220,920. While not the rarest date in the series, it is scarce and highly desirable.
Weight & Diameter
26.96 grams / 39-40 mm
Edge
Lettered (HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT)
Apparent Grade
Details grade (Fine to Very Fine). The design shows moderate wear, but the surfaces appear oddly grainy and harshly cleaned, possibly indicating environmental damage or a non-genuine origin.
Obverse (Front)
Liberty facing right with hair flowing back, bound by a ribbon. The word 'LIBERTY' is above, the date '1800' is below, with 13 stars surrounding (7 left, 6 right).
Reverse (Back)
Heraldic Eagle with a shield on its breast, holding a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. A banner in the beak reads 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. Above the eagle are clouds and 13 stars. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Preservation of original surface luster, lack of cleaning, and the clarity of the stars/lines in the shield. Any 'Details' grade significantly lowers value compared to a 'Problem-Free' coin.
Similar Coins
1804 Silver Dollar (the famous 'King of Coins' rarity) and earlier Flowing Hair dollars (1794-1795).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Early dollars are heavily counterfeited. Check for 'mushy' details, incorrect weight, and the correct lettered edge. The porous/pitted texture on this specific specimen's reverse is a major red flag that requires professional authentication to rule out a cast counterfeit or severe acid cleaning.
Notable Varieties & Errors
AMERICAI variety (die flaw looks like an 'I' after America), Wide Date, and Dotted Date varieties.
Created At: 2026-04-24T02:35:39.708062