1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Draped Bust Half Dollars 1796-1807 series — a late issue, 7th of 8 years in the series. In 1806, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 8.9 million. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above the series median of 203,379. 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 (1796-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1801-1807). Produced during the earliest years of the United States Mint, when the young republic was establishing its monetary system and coinage traditions. 32.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered: fifty cents or half a dollar edge. Collectors have identified 2 known die varieties for this date, including retained cud, shattered die. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1796 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $462 to $34K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $204K in MS66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.