1796 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Date, Small Letters

Coin Details

Auction Record

$46,000 CH XF 10-16-2003 Stack's

Description

The 1796 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Date, Small Letters was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a dollar in 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $2.5K to $119K 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 #6859.