HALF DOLLAR 1796-1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle - More Details
No one can explain why so few of this design were ever made. Perhaps it was with the collector in mind. Because there are only 200 - 300 known to still exist, to find any coin in any grade will pose a terrific challenge to anyone trying to complete a collection.
This design is similar to that of the other silver denominations of the 1796-1797 years. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty facing right, with flowing hair and a ribbon behind her head, her plunging neckline covered with drapery. LIBERTY is above, and the date is below. Varieties of 1796 exist with 15 and 16 obverse stars, while those of 1797 have 15 stars. The reverse illustrates an open wreath enclosing a small eagle perched on a cloud. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the fraction 1/2 surround.
Most known pieces are in lower grades, About Good to Very Good. Fine pieces are met with less frequency, Very Fine to Extremely Fine coins are rarer still, and coins in AU or better preservation are extreme rarities. Some 1796 half dollars exist with prooflike surfaces.