Draped Bust half dimes compress an important early design transition—from a small naturalistic eagle to a heraldic eagle—into a scarce, discontinuous 1796–1805 series.

This guide covers the Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle half-dime types dated 1796–1805, including modeled varieties attached to their parent issues.

Core specifications

Issue period
1796–1805
Catalog mints
1
Reported catalog mintage
217,784
Composition
89% Silver - 11% Copper
Diameter
16.5 mm
Weight
1.35 g

A small denomination with long production gaps

Depositors often preferred larger silver denominations, so the early Mint did not make half dimes every year. The surviving date sequence therefore reflects bullion demand and Mint priorities as much as a planned annual series.

The reverse changed after 1797 from a small eagle in a wreath to a heraldic eagle with shield and clouds. That design boundary should be confirmed before date or die-variety study.

Obverse, reverse, and the details that identify the type

Confirm the major design, date, and mint mark before studying smaller die differences.

The main portrait and date

Liberty faces right with tied, draped hair, stars around the field, LIBERTY above, and the date below.

Denomination, subject, and mint mark

1796–1797 use a small eagle within a wreath; 1800–1805 use a heraldic eagle with shield, stars, and clouds.

Where the cataloged coins were made

Totals are calculated from reported issue records in this catalog; unknown figures are not counted as zero.

  • P — Philadelphia: 1796, 1797, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1805; 217,784. Philadelphia issues commonly carry no P mint mark in classic series; confirm the expected blank area rather than searching for a letter.

Representative issues that explain the series

Begin with one example of each reverse type, then approach dates and die marriages with a magnified, multi-marker comparison.

  • 1796 P - All Varieties — 54,757. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1800 P — 24,000. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1802 P — 3,060. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
  • 1805 P — 15,600. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.

Start with the major type, then study smaller die differences

The current catalog records 1 varieties. A variety name describes repeatable die features; it does not automatically mean error, rarity, or added value.

The issue catalog keeps all 1 modeled varieties attached to their parent issue records.

Issue catalog

1796 P Draped Bust Half Dime - All Varieties1796 P Draped Bust Half Dime - LIKERTY1796 P Draped Bust Half Dime - 6 Over 51797 P Draped Bust Half Dime - 13 Stars1797 P Draped Bust Half Dime - 15 Stars1797 P Draped Bust Half Dime - 16 Stars1800 P Draped Bust Half Dime1801 P Draped Bust Half Dime1802 P Draped Bust Half Dime1803 P Draped Bust Half Dime - Large 81803 P Draped Bust Half Dime - Small 81805 P Draped Bust Half Dime

From one type coin to a complete catalog

  • One representative coin: Choose one problem-free, readable example and learn the size, edge, and major design.
  • Major-type set: Use one coin per major design to show changes in artwork, composition, or production.
  • Dates and mints: Work through the issue catalog by date and mint, defining special finishes separately.
  • Variety study: Choose one date or diagnostic family and record several matching markers for every attribution.

A note on catalog records

This page uses 12 issue records, 1 modeled varieties, and currently reported mintages; unknown values remain unknown.

Sources

  1. History of U.S. Circulating Coins — United States Mint
  2. Dime: Designs and History — United States Mint
  3. Draped Bust Half Dime category reference — PCGS CoinFacts