The Draped Bust Half Dollar is a well-known series from the early history of United States coinage. Minted between 1796 and 1807, these silver coins feature designs created during the formative years of the United States Mint. This particular 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar has an overdate that resulted from the Mint using a working die originally dated 1805. Today, the 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollar in Very Fine 25 condition is available from Provident Metals.

Highlights:

• Comes with a protective plastic slab!
• Issued in 1806!
• Struck with an 1805 die!
• Very Fine 25 certification from the Professional Coin Grading Service!
• Contains .3868 troy oz of actual silver content.
• The face value of $.50 (USD) is backed by the US government.
• On the obverse is a bust of Lady Liberty.
• The reverse features the heraldic eagle.
• Designed by Robert Scot.

This 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollar Coin is offered in Very Fine 25 condition. Coins receiving this grade retain much of the original design detail while showing wear from circulation. Light or moderate wear can be present on the highest portions of the relief, with additional signs of circulation visible across the main areas of the coin.

Obverse

On the obverse of 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollars, you will find Lady Liberty. Robert Scot designed this portrait with Liberty shown in right-profile relief. Her hair is loosely tied and falls behind her head in a style influenced by classical artwork. This approach was commonly found in American portraiture during the late 18th century and reflects the classical themes used in the artwork and symbolism of the young United States. Inscriptions include LIBERTY and 1806.

Reverse

The reverse of 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollar Silver Coins features a heraldic eagle. The national bird appears with its wings extended and a shield placed across its breast. The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Introduced on American silver coins in the late 1790s, this heraldic image helped influence later US coinage. Details in the wings, feathers, shield, and other surrounding elements highlight the work of the early United States Mint. Inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

History

The 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollar is a familiar variety among collectors of early American coins. To produce this overdate, Mint engravers placed a 6 over the 5 already present on a working die. This type of die reuse was a common practice during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Instead of replacing a usable steel die when the year changed, Mint employees could update the date and continue using it. On the 1806/5 variety, traces of the original 5 can still be found underneath the 6. Magnification can make this detail easier to see, although it may also be noticeable without magnification on some examples.

Ordering

Please contact Provident Metals with any questions about silver for sale. You can call us at 1-800-313-3315 or email us directly.