Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: Liberty bust portrait.
Reverse: Small naturalistic eagle within an open wreath.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1796–1797: Draped Bust Half Dollar (Small Eagle Reverse Type)
Draped Bust Half Dollar Small Eagle history
This two-year subtype is one of the lowest-mintage early federal silver designs. Three principal date-and-star combinations define the basic set: 1796 with 15 stars, 1796 with 16 stars, and 1797 with 15 stars.
Its 13.48-gram planchet carries the lettered denomination FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. Attribution to Robert Scot and John Eckstein better reflects the engraving and modeling work associated with the design.