The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar with the small date and small letters is an iconic and highly sought-after coin in American numismatics. As one of the earliest silver dollars minted by the United States, it holds significant historical and numismatic value.
Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse of the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar features a distinguished portrayal of Lady Liberty, facing right, with her hair gracefully draped and adorned with a ribbon.
Below Liberty's portrait is the small date "1796," positioned slightly above the bust, with the numerals notably smaller compared to later varieties of the coin. Surrounding Liberty are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies.
On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and strength. Above the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," while below is the denomination "ONE DOLLAR."
The small date and small letters variety of the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is particularly prized by collectors due to its rarity and distinctive characteristics.
These coins were struck with hand-engraved dies, resulting in slight variations in design and lettering compared to later issues. Each coin serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of early Mint workers, who meticulously produced these coins under challenging conditions.
Beyond its numismatic significance, the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar holds historical importance as one of the first silver dollars minted by the United States.
It represents a pivotal moment in the nation's numismatic history, as it sought to establish its own currency system and assert its economic independence.
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