1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar Value Guide

The 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is a cornerstone of early American numismatics, representing one of the first large silver coins struck by the United States Mint. Designed by Robert Scot with a portrait attributed to Gilbert Stuart, this 15-star variety is highly sought after for its historical connection to the nation's founding era.

What affects the value of 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar?

• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on Liberty's hair and the eagle's feathers.
• The specific variety, such as the number of stars or the size of the letters in the date and legends.
• Surface preservation, including the presence of original luster versus signs of heavy circulation or cleaning.
• Market demand for early US silver, which typically keeps values between $600 and $1,200 for common circulated grades.

How to Identify 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar?

• Verify the presence of exactly 15 stars on the obverse, representing the states in the Union at the time of production.
• Check for the 'Draped Bust' portrait of Liberty on the obverse and the 'Small Eagle' or 'Heraldic Eagle' on the reverse.
• Examine the edge for lettered inscriptions stating 'HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT' with decorative flourishes.
• Confirm the 1797 date is clearly struck below the bust with the correct period-appropriate typography.

History of 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

The Draped Bust dollar was produced by the U.S. Mint in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Designed by engraver Robert Scot with an obverse portrait attributed to Gilbert Stuart, these silver dollars were among the first large silver coins struck for the new United States and circulated widely. Varieties and edge/lettering differences make certain issues highly collectible and valuable to numismatists.