Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: Liberty bust portrait.
Reverse: A small eagle on the 1796–1797 type or a heraldic eagle on the 1800–1805 type.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1796-1805 Draped Bust Half Dime
Draped Bust half dimes are scarce early silver type coins.
1796–1805 Draped Bust Half Dime history notes
The Draped Bust half dime used a Small Eagle reverse in 1796–1797 and returned with a Heraldic Eagle reverse for issues dated 1800–1805. No half dimes were issued with 1798 or 1799 dates, so the overall series span is not a continuous annual run.
Both subtypes retain the 1.35-gram standard and reeded edge. Reverse style, date, star arrangement, and wreath or shield details separate the two principal designs.