Numismatic

1799 Draped Bust Dollar VF

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Struck in the final year of the eighteenth century, this early American silver dollar represents the young nation's emerging coinage system. The coin is composed of 0.8924 fine silver, containing 0.7738 troy ounces of precious metal. Minted at the Philadelphia facility, which did not utilize a mint mark at the time, this piece has survived in Very Fine condition, showing moderate wear but retaining its essential design details. The obverse of the coin displays a draped bust of Lady Liberty in profile, facing right, with her hair flowing loosely downward. This classical depiction is accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the prominent 1799 date. Robert Scot designed this early American motif, creating an image that became central to the identity of the country's first silver coinage. On the reverse, a majestic heraldic eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, holding a bundle of arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other. Above the eagle, a banner displays the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, surrounded by stars and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This sovereign coin, backed by the United States government, offers a direct look at the artistic style and monetary standards of the late 1700s.