1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar: Small Date - Small Letters
The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar with the Small Date and Small Letters is a significant and highly sought-after coin among collectors. Here's some information about this coin:
Design: The Draped Bust Silver Dollar, designed by Robert Scot, features a bust of Liberty facing right on the obverse, with drapery cascading over her bust and shoulders. The word "LIBERTY" appears above her portrait, and the date is below.
The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a wreath. The denomination "ONE DOLLAR" is inscribed within the wreath.
1. Variety: The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is known for two distinct varieties based on the size of the date and letters. The Small Date and Small Letters variety features smaller numerals in the date and smaller lettering on the reverse compared to the Large Date and Large Letters variety.
Historical Context: The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar was the first dollar coin minted by the United States Mint for general circulation. It was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was established in 1792.
These coins were minted during a time of transition and experimentation in American coinage, as the young nation sought to establish its monetary system.
Mintage: The mintage figures for the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar are relatively low, with an estimated total production of around 6,000 to 7,000 coins across both varieties.
Surviving examples of the Small Date and Small Letters variety are particularly scarce, adding to their desirability among collectors.
Collecting Strategies: Collectors may pursue various strategies when acquiring the Boys Town Centennial Uncirculated Silver Dollar. Some collectors aim to acquire a single high-grade example for their collection, while others may focus on assembling a complete set of commemorative silver dollars issued by the United States Mint.