1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar (15 Stars)

The 1796 Draped Bust half dollar with 15 stars is a rare and historically significant U.S. coin. With an estimated mintage of just 569 coins for the 15-star variety, it is one of the earliest half dollars ever struck by the U.S. Mint.

This coin is highly prized by collectors due to its rarity, its connection to early American history, and its representation of a short-lived design element of placing one star for each state in the Union.

Get an appraisal

Instant value guide

A pile of coins in holders held by a hand, highlighting the natural state of coins and the selling considerations.

Historical Context

The 1796 Draped Bust half dollar is part of a small production run from 1796 to 1797, during which only 3,918 half dollars were minted. The 15-star obverse was a result of the Mint’s attempt to represent each state in the Union, with Kentucky being the 15th state.

The design was soon altered to 16 stars when Tennessee joined the Union in 1796, but this crowded arrangement proved impractical, and the Mint eventually returned to using 13 stars to symbolize the original colonies.

Get an appraisal

Specifications:

Size: Not listed
Denomination: 50 cents (½ dollar)
Gross Weight: Not listed
Actual Silver Weight: Approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of silver (based on later Draped Bust half dollars)
Fineness/Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 millimeters (approximate)
Thickness: Not listed
Specific Gravity: Not listed

Coin Description:

The obverse of the 1796 Draped Bust half dollar features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by 15 stars, representing the 15 states of the Union at the time. The date "1796" is inscribed below Liberty.

The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, known as the Small Eagle design, surrounded by a wreath and the inscription "United States of America" with the denomination "½" below. This design is emblematic of early American coinage and reflects the artistry of the time.

Get an appraisal

Cultural and Numismatic Significance:

The 1796 Draped Bust half dollar is a landmark in American numismatics due to its rarity and its connection to the early years of the United States. With an estimated survival rate of 5–6%, only around 200 specimens are believed to exist today in all grades, making this coin a prized piece for collectors. Even in heavily worn condition, these coins can command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars, while Mint State examples can fetch hundreds of thousands. The 15-star design reflects an era of experimentation in U.S. coinage that was soon abandoned.

Hand using a magnifying glass to appraise coins in a collection, highlighting the debate on cleaning coins before appraisals.

Numismatic Value:

The value of the 1796 Draped Bust half dollar depends on its condition, with even heavily worn and damaged coins commanding high prices due to their rarity. Lower-grade examples typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars, while Mint State coins can reach extraordinary values. The auction record for a Mint State 1796 15-Star Draped Bust half dollar is $587,500.

Free Appraisal With No Obligation To Sell

Take the first step toward selling your silver coins by getting a free appraisal today. Our process is designed to be transparent, convenient, and stress-free, giving you the confidence to sell your valuable coins when you’re ready.

At Coinfully, we’re committed to helping you get the most for your silver coins—all from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know I’m getting a fair price for my half dollars?

At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your half dollars, including their silver content and numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.

Is my shipment insured when I send my half dollars to Coinfully?

Yes, we provide full insurance coverage for your shipment. Whether you’re sending Flowing Hair half dollars, Walking Liberty half dollars, or Kennedy half dollars, your coins are insured throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that your valuable items are protected and safe.

What types of half dollars does Coinfully buy?

We buy all types of U.S. half dollars, including Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and Kennedy half dollars, and other collectible half dollars. Whether your half dollars are valuable for their silver content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.

What if I’m not ready to sell after receiving an appraisal?

There’s no obligation to sell your half dollars after receiving an appraisal from Coinfully. We provide a free, no-pressure appraisal service to help you understand the value of your coins. You can choose to sell when you’re ready, with no pressure from us.

View Our Key Services