1796 Draped Bust Dollar
This was only the second year the US struck One Dollar coins and this was the largest denomination in silver. Two types were struck in 1795, the Flowing Hair and the Draped Bust. This was the first time the Draped Bust design ever appeared on U.S. coins – it showed up later on Half Cents in 1800 and on Large Cents, Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarter Dollars, and Half Dollars in 1796. Two major varieties are found on the 1795 Draped Bust Dollar – one with the bust of Liberty well-centered on the coin, and another with the bust placed too far to the left.
From the rare 1796 draped bust dollars there are six varieties.
1796 Draped Bust Dollar
This was only the second year the US struck One Dollar coins and this was the largest denomination in silver. Two types were struck in 1795, the Flowing Hair and the Draped Bust. This was the first time the Draped Bust design ever appeared on U.S. coins – it showed up later on Half Cents in 1800 and on Large Cents, Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarter Dollars, and Half Dollars in 1796. Two major varieties are found on the 1795 Draped Bust Dollar – one with the bust of Liberty well-centered on the coin, and another with the bust placed too far to the left.
From the rare 1796 draped bust dollars there are six varieties.
A 1796 coin with small date and small Letters (Bolender One, Two and Three)
A 1796 coin with small date and large Letters (Bolender Four and Six)
A 1796 coin with large date and large Letters (Bolender Five)
Most of them are very scarce and some a rarity.
Some 1796 draped bust silver dollar coin facts.
Mintage: Circulation strikes: est. 72,920 / Proofs: none.
Designer: Robert Scot and John Eckstein (reverse).
Diameter: 39/40 mm.
Composition: Silver (90%) and Copper (10%).
Weight: ±27.0 grams.
Mintmark: None.
Edge: Lettered \’\’HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT\’\’ with various ornaments.
Here below are the images from an authentic and a counterfeit draped bust silver dollar coin, both showing the year 1796.
The counterfeit coin has a reverse side with a wrong eagle on it means the maker of it did not have a knowledge enough from the 1796 coins. Still there are counterfeit coins know from the year 1796 who come very close to the authentic ones.