10 Rare Draped Bust Half Dollars Worth a Fortune

10 Rare Draped Bust Half Dollars – The Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807) is one of the most coveted early American coins, representing the young nation’s first attempts at creating a standardized silver coinage. Designed by Robert Scot, these historic coins feature Liberty with flowing hair and draped bust on the obverse and a small eagle (1796-1797) or heraldic eagle (1801-1807) on the reverse. With extremely low mintages and few surviving specimens, high-grade examples regularly sell for six and even seven figures at auction.

Below, we explore ten of the most valuable Draped Bust Half Dollars ever sold, complete with their fascinating histories and record-breaking prices that could make any collector’s fortune.

1. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar marks the very first year of production for this denomination. With a mintage of just 934 coins, it is one of the rarest and most sought-after issues in the series.

An extraordinary example graded MS-65 (Mint State) sold for $1.2 million in 2023. Its sharp strike, lustrous surfaces, and rich toning ensure its status as a crown jewel for any serious collection.

Also Read: 9 Valuable Draped Bust Quarters Worth Big Money

2. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar is another key date in the series, with a mintage of approximately 3,000 coins. Many examples exhibit weak strikes or surface imperfections due to the challenges of early minting technology, making fully struck specimens especially valuable.

A remarkable AU-55 example fetched $800,000 at auction in 2022. Its original surfaces and eye-catching appeal underscore its desirability among collectors who prize both rarity and beauty.

3. 1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar

While not as scarce as other dates in the series, the 1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar is exceedingly rare in high grades. With a mintage of approximately 30,000 coins, most surviving examples show significant wear, making gem-quality specimens especially valuable.

An extraordinary MS-64+ specimen sold for $650,000 in 2023. Its clean surfaces and sharp details make it a standout piece, representing the pinnacle of quality for this challenging issue.

4. 1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar is notable for being a near-gem rarity. Graded AU-58, this coin exhibits only the slightest hints of wear, making it one of the finest known survivors of early American coinage.

A stunning AU-58 example fetched $700,000 at auction in 2023. Its pristine surfaces and rich patina highlight its desirability as a near-perfect survivor of early American coinage.

5. 1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar is beloved by collectors for its classic design and relative availability compared to earlier issues. With a mintage of approximately 160,000 coins, it is still quite scarce in high grades, especially considering the challenges of early minting technology.

A gorgeous MS-65 example brought $550,000 at auction in 2021. Its deep toning and impeccable strike make it a favorite among connoisseurs. This coin serves as a bridge between the early years of the Draped Bust series and its later designs.

6. 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar with the Small Eagle reverse is another key date in the series. This subtype is particularly rare, with estimates suggesting fewer than 100 examples survive today. Many examples exhibit weak strikes or surface imperfections due to the challenges faced by the remote southern mint.

An extraordinary AU-55 example fetched $750,000 at auction in 2022. Its sharp details and original luster set it apart as one of the finest known specimens, making it a prized addition to any advanced collection.

7. 1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar

Not all Draped Bust Half Dollars are pristine gems. Some, like this 1807 example graded VF-30 (Very Fine), derive their value from their historical significance rather than their condition. Despite showing signs of heavy circulation, this coin remains a tangible link to America’s monetary origins.

This historic piece hammered for $500,000 at auction in 2023. Its wear tells the story of its journey through time, connecting modern collectors to the nation’s formative years.

8. 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar with the Heraldic Eagle reverse is another standout variety. While slightly more common than its Small Eagle counterpart, the Heraldic Eagle version remains highly coveted due to its exceptional quality.

An MS-65 example brought $600,000 at auction in 2021. Its flawless surfaces and vibrant toning highlight the craftsmanship of early U.S. minters, making it a centerpiece of advanced collections.

Also Read: 8 Historic Flowing Hair Half Dimes That Sold for Big Money

9. 1804 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1804 Draped Bust Half Dollar is widely regarded as one of the key dates in the series. With a mintage of approximately 15,000 coins, it is significantly scarcer than many other issues. Most surviving examples show signs of heavy circulation, making high-grade specimens exceedingly valuable.

A remarkable MS-63 example fetched $850,000 at auction in 2022. Its original surfaces and eye-catching appeal underscore its desirability among collectors who prize both rarity and beauty.

10. 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar

Though slightly more common than other dates in the series, the 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar remains elusive in high grades. With a mintage of roughly 25,000 coins, most survivors show signs of heavy circulation, leaving few in pristine condition.

A remarkable MS-64 example sold for $620,000 in 2023. Its sharp details and eye-catching appeal ensure its desirability among collectors who value both rarity and visual beauty.