Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804

About This Series

Spanning the formative decade of the United States Mint, the Draped Bust dollar encompasses two reverse types: the Small Eagle (1795-1798) and the Heraldic Eagle (1798-1804) projecting national authority through Great Seal imagery. Struck in .8924 fine silver at 26.96 grams and 39-40 mm, the obverse Liberty portrait was reportedly inspired by Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham. Production occurred exclusively at Philadelphia, with annual mintages ranging from 40,000 to over 300,000. The 1804 dollar, despite bearing that date, was actually struck in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts for Asian rulers — only 15 specimens survive across three classes, making it among the most famous rarities in numismatics. Silver dollar production was suspended from 1804 to 1836 because coins were being exported for bullion value. The series represents the earliest sustained silver dollar production in American history, and each surviving piece carries the weight of the young republic's monetary ambitions.

Series Information