Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807)
Production of the half dollar began in 1796, at a time when the designs of new coins changed dramatically from year to year. The U.S. Mint seemed determined to make the design of their coins loves by all, which is perhaps why they were so quick to make changes at the first sign of any criticism. The first version of the Draped Bust Half Dollar came in 1796, with the biggest difference between earlier coins being that Lady Liberty looked a little more mature, whilst also being given flowing hair in the new design.
Through the first couple of years of the new half-dollar, the reverse of the coin featured a smaller, less prominent eagle. None of these coins were minted for a 3-year period, and when the Draped Bust Half Dollar returned in 1801, it did so with a new look on the reverse. This design was a larger “heraldic eagle” that featured a breast shield, as well as an olive branch and some arrows. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” was also featured on the reverse side of the coin on a scroll held in the beak of the eagle. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” also featured prominent around the outer edge above the glorious eagle.
The front of the coin features Lady Liberty flowing locks, her bust surrounded by 13 stars, which are split by 7 on the left and 6 on the right. The word “LIBERTY” appeared between the stars, with the mint date clearly displayed on the bottom. It’s interesting to note that several coins that came before this date featured either 15 or 16 stars, with those numbers being the number of states in the Union at that time. Since that number seemed to be constantly in flux, the U.S. Mint decided to go with the 13 stars, representing the original number of colonies.
As far as things go for coin collectors, it is probably going to be relatively easy to acquire coins that were minted between 1801 and 1807, as they are quite common. That said, you may have a little more difficulty tracking down certain varieties of the coins from 1801 and 1802. The coins from 1806 and 1807 tend to be in rather rough shape, with weakness of striking particularly common in those particular years. Finding one of those years in really good condition is a rare find indeed and one that should be treasured.