Coin Specifications

The second design type for the fifty cent denomination was introduced in 1796 and ultimately used until 1807. The Draped Bust Half Dollar includes two distinct reverse types, the first which appear in 1796 and 1797 and the second from 1801 to 1807.

Specifications for the coins remained the same as the previous Flowing Hair Half Dollars, although continued improvements in minting and technology would bring actual coin specifications more often in line with the standards. The composition consisted of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. For underweight or overweight planchets, the early mint may have made adjustment marks or plugs prior to striking. The approximate diameter of coins was 32.5 mm with a weight of 13.48 grams or 208 grains.

Robert Scot is credited with the designs for the Draped Bust Half Dollar, although it is said to have been based on drawings by Gilbert Stuart. An image of Liberty appears facing left with a portion of her bust, which is draped, visible within the image. There are stars to either side, which alternately numbered 15, 16, or 13, and the word “Liberty” above and the date below. The initial reverse type known as the small eagle reverse was carried over from the previous type, but had the addition of the fraction “1/2″ below the eagle.

The later reverse type used from 1801 until the end of the series featured a heraldic eagle based on the Great Seal of the United States. The eagle appeared behind a shield with a bundle of arrows and olive branch in its claws. Clouds and thirteen stars appeared above with “United States of America” surrounding the image. Indication of the denomination was removed and now only noted by the edge lettering.

Draped Bust Half Dollar Coin Specifications

halves draped bust