The Draped Bust Half Dime is a tiny but mighty piece of early American numismatics. Minted between 1796 and 1805, these small silver coins are packed with history, rarity, and collector intrigue. With their elegant design and incredibly low mintages, Draped Bust Half Dimes have become some of the most sought-after coins in U.S. coin collecting. Here are five standout examples that could command serious value at auction.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1,527,500
- Mintage: 6,146
- Design: Small Eagle Reverse
- Why It’s Valuable: First year of issue and only year with the Small Eagle reverse.
The 1796 quarter is America’s first 25-cent piece, making it historically significant and immensely collectible. Only a few hundred are believed to survive today, and high-grade examples have shattered auction records-one sold for over $1.5 million in a Heritage Auction.
2. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter – $345,000
- Mintage: 6,738
- Design: Heraldic Eagle Reverse
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare date with low mintage and strong collector demand.
Known for its scarcity, the 1804 quarter often commands six-figure prices. In mint condition, this piece has been auctioned for over $300,000, thanks to its rarity and high aesthetic appeal.
3. 1805 Draped Bust Quarter (MS65) – $175,000
- Mintage: 121,394
- Why It’s Valuable: High-grade examples are very rare.
While 1805 saw a jump in production numbers, well-struck, uncirculated examples are extremely rare. A PCGS-graded MS65 example fetched a whopping $175,000, largely due to its pristine surfaces and sharp details.
4. 1807 Draped Bust Quarter (MS64+) – $152,750
- Mintage: 220,643
- Why It’s Valuable: Final year of the Draped Bust design.
Collectors love final-year issues, and the 1807 Draped Bust quarter is no exception. The combination of high grade and historic significance led this coin to sell for over $150,000 in recent years.
5. 1806 Draped Bust Quarter (Large 6, High Grade) – $120,000
- Variety: Large 6, High 6
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare die variety + high grade = big money.
The 1806 quarter comes in several varieties, and the Large 6 with High 6 die pairing is particularly desirable. One in near-mint condition crossed the $120,000 mark due to its rarity and die state.
6. 1805 Draped Bust Quarter (Die Clash Error) – $95,000
- Mintage: 121,394
- Error Type: Major die clash visible on both sides
Coins with visible mint errors from the early 1800s are highly collectible. This 1805 example shows dramatic die clash marks and sold for $95,000 to a specialist collector.
7. 1806 Draped Bust Quarter (Small 6, MS63) – $88,000
- Variety: Small 6
- Why It’s Valuable: Popular die variety in high grade.
The Small 6 variety features a noticeably different numeral in the date. In MS63, it’s extremely difficult to find, and one such example sold for $88,000 due to its superior eye appeal.
8. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter (XF45) – $72,000
- Grade: XF45 (Extremely Fine)
- Why It’s Valuable: Well-preserved circulated example.
Even in circulated condition, 1804 quarters bring top dollar. A certified XF45 sold for $72,000, showing that condition isn’t the only value factor-demand and rarity rule.
9. 1806 Draped Bust Quarter (Overdate Variety 6/5) – $68,000
- Error Type: 1806/5 Overdate
- Why It’s Valuable: Popular overdate variety with clear doubling.
This variety was created when a 1805 die was repunched with a 6 over the 5, creating a visible overdate. Collectors love this type of mint error, and in higher grades, it easily commands $60,000+ at auction.
10. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter (VG8) – $42,000
- Grade: VG8 (Very Good)
- Why It’s Valuable: Even low-grade 1796s are worth big money.
A worn 1796 quarter with good detail can still be a five-figure coin. One in VG8 condition recently brought $42,000, showing just how significant this first-year issue remains, regardless of condition.
What Makes Draped Bust Quarters So Valuable?
1. Historical Significance
These were among the first quarters ever minted by the United States, making them a key piece of early American history.
2. Low Mintages
Most Draped Bust quarters had mintages under 150,000, and survival rates are even lower due to circulation, melting, and wear.
3. Rarity in High Grades
Very few examples have survived in uncirculated or even lightly circulated condition. High-grade pieces often make auction headlines.
4. Die Varieties and Errors
Collectors love unique coin characteristics, and Draped Bust Quarters have several notable overdates, repunched dates, and reverse design variations.
Market Trends: Are Prices Still Rising?
Absolutely. As demand for early U.S. coinage continues to grow-especially for scarce, early-date issues-the prices of Draped Bust Quarters have steadily increased. With new collectors entering the market and registry set competition heating up, high-grade and rare varieties are fetching higher premiums every year.
Final Thoughts: A Collector’s Dream
Draped Bust Quarters are not just coins-they’re relics of American history, prized for their beauty, rarity, and legacy. Whether you’re an advanced numismatist or a passionate history lover, owning one of these quarters means holding a piece of the nation’s early story in your hands.
If you ever come across one-especially in good condition-have it professionally appraised and graded. You just might be holding onto a small fortune.
