1798 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Eagle, 15 Stars

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1798

Denomination

Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804

Designer

Robert Scot/John Eckstein

Mintage

10,000

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

27g

Diameter

40mm

Edge

Lettered: HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT

Value Estimates

$1,175 - $26,817

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$129,250 AU58+ 11-15-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

A dollar from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1798 Draped Bust Dollar - Small Eagle, 15 Stars belongs to the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series. With a mintage of 10,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 11 mint variants, representing only less than 1% 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). The heraldic eagle reverse was introduced, replacing the small eagle. Multiple die varieties exist including the famous "knob 9" and "pointed 9" varieties. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.2K to $27K 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 #6868.