1796 Draped Bust Half Dimes : All Varieties

What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

There were a few varieties of the 1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. One was the 1796/5 overdate error where the 1796 date was struck over a 1795 date which resulted in a "5" still visible under the "6". The other variety is the "LIKERTY" variety where the letter "B" in the word "LIBERTY" had a weakened strike which made the "B" look broken towards the top and bottom. This resulted in the "B" looking like a "K" with curled arms. Source of example image above is courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries.

Major Varieties:
1796 LIKERTY Draped Bust Half Dime
1796/5 Draped Bust Half Dime - 6 Over 5

Coin Value Chart: Typical Coin Prices, Values and Worth in USD based on Grade/Condition. Numismatic portion of the values last updated February 2026, precious metal portion of the values is updated live!

Good (G-4)	Very Good (VG-8)	Fine (F-12)	Very Fine (VF-20)	Extremely Fine (EF-40)	About Uncirculated (AU-50)	Uncirculated (MS-60)	Uncirculated (MS-63)	Proof (PR-63)
$2,258	$2,498	$4,247	$6,258	$10,778	$12,752	$22,910	$42,825	-

USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1796 Draped Bust Half Dime (All Varieties) is Worth $2,498 in Average Condition and can be Worth $22,910 to $42,825 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.


MELT VALUE: $2.9404