The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar with the small date and small letters is a remarkable coin that holds a special place in American numismatic history
Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse of the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar features a graceful depiction of Lady Liberty, her hair adorned with a ribbon, facing right. The date "1796" is positioned below Liberty's portrait, with the numerals notably smaller than those seen on later varieties of the coin.
On the reverse, an eagle is depicted with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and strength.
Above the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," while below is the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" and the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
The small date and small letters variety of the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is particularly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and distinctive appearance.
These coins were produced using hand-engraved dies, resulting in slight variations in design and lettering size compared to later issues. Each coin is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of early Mint workers, who meticulously produced these coins under challenging conditions.
Beyond its numismatic value, the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar holds historical significance as one of the first silver dollars minted by the United States.
. It represents a bold step forward for the young nation as it sought to establish its own monetary identity and assert its economic independence on the world stage.
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