1805 Half Dollar; Overton 106 (PCGS; XF40)

The following description is courtesy of the cataloging professionals at Stacks Bowers.

1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-106, T-13. Rarity-3+. EF-40 (PCGS).

The protected regions of this piece are illuminated by satiny mint luster most prominent on the reverse. A dusting of powder blue patina accents the golden-bronze iridescence that dominates throughout. The surfaces are ideally preserved, showing light, even wear and no abrasions of note. Inspection will reveal a faint streak in the planchet at star 13 that is as-made. This piece falls just short of the Condition Census, though ranks firmly within the top 10 examples known. Delightful to experience in-hand and certainly approaching Choice EF in many respects.

Provenance: From the Sutton Court Collection of Early Half Dollar Varieties. Acquired privately from Stack's in August 1984.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer through MS-62.

PCGS# 39279. NGC ID: 24EG.

The price is accorded this sample due to its vivid retention of eye appeal and luster which is exceptional for the grade.

The Draped Bust half dollar style began in 1796.  The 1796 and 1797 Drape Bust half dollars had a "small eagle" reverse.  These are rare and very pricey.  No half dollars were minted in 1798, 1799 or 1800.  The mintage of half dollars resumed in 1801 (with a new heraldic eagle reverse) and continued through to 1807. 

The new “heraldic eagle” reverse introduced on the dimes and dollars in 1798, and the half dimes in 1800 now appeared on the halves as well. An adaptation of the Great Seal of the United States, it consisted of an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch, with a scroll inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak. Above the eagle is an arc of clouds, below which is a group of stars. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. No denomination appears.

There are no rare dates within the Draped Bust half dollar span (1801 to 1807), although the 1801 and 1802 are the toughest, and some varieties are elusive. Nearly all specimens encountered display weakness of striking in one area or another, with the quality of strike becoming worse and worse as the years advanced. Nearly all halves dated 1806 and 1807 show weakness. Specimens are typically found in grades from Very Good to Very Fine, although Extremely Fine pieces can be found with some frequency. AU pieces are scarce, and strictly Uncirculated coins are rare. Even an Uncirculated specimen of 1807, for example, is apt to be very weakly defined in such areas as the rims, the obverse and reverse stars, and parts of the eagle. 

Design and Craftsmanship

The 1805 half dollar features the work of Robert Scot, (born in Canogate Scottland) was a watch maker and  engraver who was hired by the U.S. Mint in 1793. Scots contributions to early American coinage were significant, and his designs, particularly on the Draped Bust series, are still admired today. 

Obverse (Front)

The obverse of the 1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar is dominated by a portrait of Lady Liberty, facing to the right. This design, known as the "Draped Bust" style, was created by famed engraver Robert Scot. Liberty is depicted in a dignified manner, with flowing hair and a bust draped in fabric, symbolizing classical ideals of freedom and strength. The name "Draped Bust" refers to the flowing garment that she is shown wearing, which enhances the elegance of the design.

Surrounding Liberty are thirteen six-pointed stars, arranged in a semi-circle pattern. These stars represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States, symbolizing unity and the nation’s roots. Above Liberty’s head, the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed in bold capital letters, reaffirming the central value that guided the nation’s founding. Beneath the portrait, the year "1805" is prominently displayed, marking the coin’s production year.

Liberty’s depiction on this coin is a modified version of an original design attributed to famed portrait artist Gilbert Stuart, who was known for painting prominent figures like George Washington. The soft, almost idealized features of Liberty, combined with the intricate detailing, give the obverse a classic and refined appearance.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse of the 1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar features a heraldic eagle, emblematic of the United States. The eagle is depicted with its wings fully spread and its head turned to the left. In its beak, the eagle holds a flowing banner inscribed with the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which means “Out of Many, One.” This phrase emphasizes the unity of the newly formed United States as a nation composed of diverse states and peoples.

The eagle's body is shielded by a U.S. heraldic shield, representing protection and strength. The shield has vertical stripes, symbolizing the states, and a horizontal band at the top, representing the federal government. In its right talon, the eagle clutches an olive branch, representing peace. In its left talon, it holds a bundle of arrows, symbolizing the nation’s readiness to defend itself if necessary. The balance of these elements illustrates the dual commitment to peace and preparedness.

Above the eagle, a semicircle of thirteen stars, enclosed within a cloud motif, mirrors the stars on the obverse and again references the original colonies. The entire design is encircled by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” inscribed around the perimeter. Unlike later half dollars, there is no specified denomination of "50 C." on the reverse; the value was understood based on size and silver content.