The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar with 16 stars is a significant coin in American numismatics, notable for its design and historical context. Here's an overview of this coin:
Design: The obverse of the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar features a bust of Liberty facing right, with flowing hair cascading down her neckline.
The word "LIBERTY" arcs above the bust, and the date "1796" is placed below. Notably, this issue has 16 stars arranged in a circular pattern around the bust, representing each state in the Union at that time.
1. Composition: The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar was struck in .8924 fine silver and .1076 copper, with a total weight of approximately 13.48 grams and a diameter of 32.5 millimeters.
Historical Context: The late 18th century was a period of nation-building and expansion for the United States.
The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar was minted during the early years of the nation's coinage, reflecting the ideals of liberty and independence that were central to the American identity.
1. Mintage: The mintage of the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar is reported to be relatively low, with approximately 934,000 coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint. However, surviving examples in high grades are scarce due to circulation wear and the passage of time.
Collecting Strategies: Collectors may pursue various strategies when acquiring the 1883-CC Morgan Dollar. Some aim to assemble a complete set of Morgan Dollars, including all mint marks and major varieties.