1796 Draped Bust Dollar - Large Date, Small Letters

Coin Details

Auction Record

$123,375 MS62 09-02-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

The 1796 Draped Bust Dollar - Large Date, Small Letters is a dollar minted at the Philadelphia Mint, within the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series. With a mintage of 79,920, this is a scarce issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 33% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1804). Small Date and Large Date varieties exist. The small eagle reverse continued. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $2.5K to $106K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27 grams, 40 mm in diameter, with a lettered: hundred cents one dollar or unit edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6861.