Draped Bust/Small
Eagle Half Dollars

Although only minted for two years, this coin is almost always collected by type not date because very few were produced and even extremely low grade coins are quite expensive. Half dollars underwent three design changes in the first ten years of the Mint’s existence because Mint officials were keenly aware of criticism of the coins they produced, and they were trying to achieve the right look for our new nation’s coinage. It is believed that President George Washington suggested the Mint contact renowned artist Gilbert Stuart for assistance in designing the new half dollar. Stuart is best known for painting the portrait of Washington that is used on our current one-dollar notes. Stuart’s drawing was transferred to plaster by artist John Eckstein, and then Mint chief engraver Robert Scot turned it into coin dies. The result so displeased Stuart that he disavowed any connection to the design. Both the 1796 and 1797 dated coins are included in most Top 100 coin lists.