Design and Specifications of the Draped Bust Half Cent

The Draped Bust Half Cent was the second design of the half cent, following the Liberty Cap. It was introduced as part of a general redesign of American coinage under Mint Director Elias Boudinot. The series represents an important transitional period in early American numismatics and reflects the young nation’s evolving artistic and economic identity.
Weight 5.44 grams
Diameter 23.5 mm
Mint Marks No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia)
Composition 100% copper
Obverse Design Draped bust of Liberty facing right, designed by Gilbert Stuart
Reverse Design Wreath surrounding denomination 'HALF CENT', designed by Robert Scot
Years of Minting 1800-1808

Collectibility and Rare Varieties

The condition of Draped Bust Half Cents significantly impacts their value, with uncirculated specimens being extremely rare and valuable. Key varieties include the 1802 ‘Reverse of 1800’ and the 1805 ‘Small 5, Stems to Wreath’, which can command substantial premiums. The series is known for its inconsistent strike quality, making well-struck examples particularly desirable to collectors.
1802 Philadelphia 20,266 minted; very rare and highly sought after
1803 Philadelphia 92,000 minted; scarce but more available than 1802
1805 Philadelphia 814,464 minted; most common date in the series
1808 Philadelphia 400,000 minted; last year of issue, moderately scarce

Explore Draped Bust Half Cent Values by Year

1800 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808

Most Valuable Draped Bust Half Cent

This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.

Coin Name Circulated Price Uncirculated Price
1804 Half Cent Plain 4, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $11,500.00 –
1806 Half Cent Large 6, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $1,750.00 –
1803 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $6,000.00 –
1808 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike) $35.00 – $5,350.00 –
1807 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike) $35.00 – $2,350.00 –
1800 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $3,200.00 –
1805 Half Cent Large 5, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $2,250.00 –
1805 Half Cent Small 5, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $300.00 – $80,000.00 –
1806 Half Cent Small 6, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $90.00 – $10,500.00 –
1804 Half Cent Plain 4 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $1,750.00 –
1802/0 Half Cent Reverse of 1802, BN (Regular Strike) $250.00 – $190,000.00 –
1808/7 Half Cent, BN (Regular Strike) $150.00 – $90,000.00 –
1803 Half Cent Cohen 2, BN (Regular Strike) $300.00 – $42,500.00 –
1802/0 Half Cent Reverse of 1800, BN (Regular Strike) $8,500.00 – $155,000.00 –
1804 Half Cent Crosslet 4, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $1,750.00 –
1804 Half Cent Spiked Chin, BN (Regular Strike) $95.00 – $2,500.00 –
1804 Half Cent Crosslet 4, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $1,750.00 –
1805 Half Cent No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $2,350.00 –
1806 Half Cent Small 6, No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $1,750.00 –
1800 Half Cent, RB (Regular Strike) – $4,000.00 – $42,500.00
1800 Half Cent, RD (Regular Strike) – $10,000.00 – $42,500.00
1800 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $3,250.00 –
1800 Half Cent Cohen 1, RB (Regular Strike) – $4,000.00 – $42,500.00
1800 Half Cent Cohen 1, RD (Regular Strike) – $25,000.00
1802/0 Half Cent C-1 Reverse of 1800, BN (Regular Strike) $8,500.00 – $145,000.00 –
1802/0 Half Cent C-2 Reverse of 1802, BN (Regular Strike) $750.00 – $190,000.00 –
1803 Half Cent, RB (Regular Strike) – $7,500.00 – $285,000.00
1803 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike) $105.00 – $6,000.00 –
1803 Half Cent Cohen 1, RB (Regular Strike) – $22,500.00
1803 Half Cent Cohen 3, BN (Regular Strike) $110.00 – $6,250.00 –
1803 Half Cent Cohen 3, RB (Regular Strike) – $325,000.00
1803 Half Cent Cohen 4, BN (Regular Strike) $240.00 – $13,500.00 –
1804 Half Cent Crosslet 4, Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $4,500.00
1804 Half Cent Plain 4 No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,350.00 – $30,000.00
1804 Half Cent Plain 4 No Stems, RD (Regular Strike) – $120,000.00
1804 Half Cent C-13 Plain 4 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $1,750.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-13 Plain 4 No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,350.00 – $30,000.00
1804 Half Cent C-13 Plain 4 No Stems, RD (Regular Strike) – $130,000.00
1804 Half Cent C-11 Plain 4 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $65.00 – $10,000.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-1 Crosslet 4 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $80.00 – $1,650.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-2 Crosslet 4 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $22,500.00 – $100,000.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-4 Crosslet 4 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $600.00 – $25,000.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-9, Crosslet 4, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $70.00 – $2,000.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-10, Crosslet 4, Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $70.00 – $1,900.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-12 Cross 4 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $1,750.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-12 Cross 4 No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $3,750.00 – $67,500.00
1804 Half Cent C-5 Spiked Chin, BN (Regular Strike) $140.00 – $5,750.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-6 Spiked Chin, BN (Regular Strike) $110.00 – $2,500.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-7 Spiked Chin, BN (Regular Strike) $135.00 – $16,500.00 –
1804 Half Cent C-8 Spiked Chin, BN (Regular Strike) $105.00 – $2,400.00 –
1805 Half Cent No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $4,250.00 – $20,000.00
1805 Half Cent C-1 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $2,350.00 –
1805 Half Cent C-2 Small 5 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $2,250.00 – $70,000.00 –
1805 Half Cent C-3 Small 5 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $550.00 – $85,000.00 –
1805 Half Cent C-4 Large 5 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $50.00 – $3,250.00 –
1805 Half Cent C-4 Large 5 Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $70,000.00
1806 Half Cent Small 6, No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,100.00 – $145,000.00
1806 Half Cent Small 6, No Stems, RD (Regular Strike) – $3,000.00 – $42,500.00
1806 Half Cent Large 6, Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,150.00 – $24,000.00
1806 Half Cent Large 6, Stems, RD (Regular Strike) – $3,500.00 – $52,500.00
1806 Half Cent C-1 Small 6 No Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $30.00 – $1,750.00 –
1806 Half Cent C-1 Small 6 No Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,100.00 – $165,000.00
1806 Half Cent C-2 Small 6 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $150.00 – $11,750.00 –
1806 Half Cent C-3 Small 6 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $16,500.00 – $40,000.00 –
1806 Half Cent C-4 Large 6 Stems, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $2,250.00 –
1806 Half Cent C-4 Large 6 Stems, RB (Regular Strike) – $2,750.00 – $24,000.00
1806 Half Cent C-4 Large 6 Stems, RD (Regular Strike) – $3,850.00 – $55,000.00
1807 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike) $35.00 – $2,450.00 –
1808 Half Cent Cohen 3, BN (Regular Strike) $60.00 – $5,750.00 –
1808/7 Half Cent Cohen 1, BN (Regular Strike) $140,000.00 – $215,000.00 –
1808/7 Half Cent Cohen 2, BN (Regular Strike) $275.00 – $80,000.00 –

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Chris McPherson is a lifelong collector turned shop owner who opened ChrisMcPherson's Souvenir Shop in 2005. With over 20 years as a professional antique dealer and appraiser, Chris expertly curates a selection of the most unique political, pop culture, and historic collectibles available. His passion is hunting one-of-a-kind artifacts and sharing the fascinating stories behind them. Chris graduated with a BA in American History, informing his specialty in political memorabilia. As a seasoned antique hunter, Chris utilizes his skills to deliver an ever-changing inventory of must-see relics and conversation pieces to his shop.

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