Price Guide for 1796 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.65 – $50,400.00Uncirculated: $23,000.00 – $352,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,046.51 – $8,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $80,000.00Uncirculated: $150,000.00 – $225,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00 – $46,000.00Uncirculated: $5,463.00 – $13,225.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,583.90 – $18,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $110,000.00Uncirculated: $175,000.00 – $900,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.75 – $41,400.00Uncirculated: $14,950.00 – $123,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $950.00 – $14,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $80,000.00Uncirculated: $100,000.00 – $325,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16,800.00 – $60,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85,000.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,527.50 – $29,900.00Uncirculated: $705,000.00 – $1,175,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,750.00 – $110,000.00Uncirculated: $900,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,057.50 – $81,000.00Uncirculated: $352,500.00 – $456,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,250.00 – $110,000.00Uncirculated: $550,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $38,775.00Uncirculated: $55,200.00 – $162,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,128.00 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $80,000.00Uncirculated: $150,000.00 – $400,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,292.50 – $55,812.50Uncirculated: $90,000.00 – $246,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,215.90 – $12,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,750.00 – $80,000.00Uncirculated: $100,000.00 – $325,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1796 Dollar
The 1796 Dollar is a highly significant coin in American numismatic history. It represents the second year of the Draped Bust design and the final year of the Small Eagle reverse. This coin was minted during the early years of the United States Mint, when coin production was still relatively low and inconsistent.
The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1795, was a departure from the earlier Flowing Hair design and was intended to create a more mature and dignified representation of Liberty. The Small Eagle reverse would be replaced by the Heraldic Eagle design in 1798, making the 1796 dollar a transitional and short-lived type.
| Weight | 26.96 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 39-40 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Draped Bust design, featuring Liberty with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small Eagle design, with an eagle perched on a cloud, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1796 Dollar has a profound impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, high-grade examples are extremely rare and highly sought after. Coins in Mint State condition can command six-figure prices or more.
Even in lower grades, such as Fine or Very Fine, these coins are valuable due to their historical significance. The presence of original luster, lack of major marks or scratches, and overall eye appeal can significantly increase the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 79,920
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above). Most surviving examples show significant wear.
Varieties Errors: Small Date, Large Date, and Small Letters varieties
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and rarity
Variety is an important factor for 1796 Dollars. The Small Date, Large Date, and Small Letters varieties can affect value, with some being rarer than others. The quality of the strike is also crucial, as many coins from this era suffer from weak strikes due to primitive minting technology.
Originality and toning are highly prized by collectors. Coins with natural, attractive toning can command significant premiums. Additionally, provenance can play a role in value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions.
