$2,000,000 Draped Bust Half Dollar?! Discover the Secrets of the 1796 Rarity!

If you love historic U.S. coins, this one’s a legend. The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most desirable silver coins ever struck by the early U.S. Mint — and under the right conditions, it could be worth up to $2,000,000!

Let’s break down why this early American half dollar is so special, how to spot the rare varieties, and what could make yours a millionaire’s treasure.

Why the 1796 Half Dollar Is a Historic Masterpiece

Key Facts:

First Year of Type: The 1796 issue marked the debut of the Draped Bust design on half dollars.
Extremely Low Mintage: Only 3,918 coins were ever made — making it one of the lowest-mintage U.S. coins in history.
Silver Composition: Each coin is 89.24% silver, combining precious metal value with early American craftsmanship.

Varieties:

15 Stars: Represents the 15 states in the Union in 1796 — this is the rarer variety.
16 Stars: Issued later that same year after Tennessee joined the United States.

Could Your 1796 Half Dollar Really Be Worth $2,000,000?

Not all 1796 Half Dollars are millionaires, but some are close! These features can skyrocket a coin’s value:

15 Stars Variety – Scarcer and more desirable.
Mint State (MS) Condition – Coins showing no wear with full luster can bring seven figures.
Special Provenance – Coins once owned by famous collectors or with unique die varieties can command $1M–$2M+.

Note: The $2,000,000 estimate applies to extraordinary coins (MS67+ or better) with historic or unique provenance.

How to Identify a Genuine 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar

Follow these simple steps to verify if your coin could be the real deal:

Step 1: Confirm the Date & Denomination

Look for “1796” under Liberty’s bust.
The coin should measure about 32.5 mm in diameter and have a silver tone.

Step 2: Count the Stars

15 Stars = Rarer (higher value)
16 Stars = Still valuable, but less scarce

Step 3: Examine Liberty’s Features

Focus on:

Hair curls near the temple
Drapery folds and neckline
Chin and bust details

Use a 10x–20x magnifier for accurate inspection.

Step 4: Check Overall Condition

Wear: Flat spots or smoothed areas = circulated
Luster: Remaining shine = higher grade
Marks: Fewer scratches = better value

Grading & Estimated Values (Guide 2025)

Grade	Condition	Estimated Value
G-4 to VF-20	Heavily worn, basic details visible	$10,000 – $100,000+
AU-50	Light wear, strong details	High six figures
MS-60	Uncirculated, minor marks	$750,000+
MS-65	Gem Uncirculated	Over $1,000,000
MS-67+	Flawless, exceptional luster	Up to $2,000,000+

Thinking of Selling? Here’s What to Do First

Step 1: Get It Professionally Graded

Never clean your coin — this destroys its value!
Send it to a trusted grading company:

They’ll confirm authenticity, assign a grade, and protect it in a certified holder.

Step 2: Choose the Right Selling Channel

Best options:

Heritage Auctions
Stack’s Bowers Galleries

Avoid selling uncertified coins on eBay — serious buyers prefer graded pieces.

Expert Tips Before You Sell

Never attempt to clean or polish.
Compare your coin with verified examples on PCGS CoinFacts or NGC VarietyPlus.
Always get multiple opinions before selling.
Use proper lighting and magnification for inspection.

Market Trends (2024–2025)

Early Silver Demand Rising: Collectors love first-year type coins.
Condition Rarity Rules: Each higher grade multiplies value exponentially.
Certified Coins Dominate: Third-party grading adds trust and liquidity.
Historical Significance: Coins linked to early America remain top-tier investments.