1805 Draped Bust Half Cent

The 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent is a coin that any serious collector will want to add to their collection. The sheer quality of the coin coupled with the fact that there are so precious few remaining in circulation mean that the coin is highly desirable. Understanding this, there has never been a better time than now for you to get your hands on one.

On the coin’s obverse, the center of the face is dominated by the rightward-facing image of Lady Liberty. Considering the fact that the coin was produced more than 200 years ago, the attention to detail present in the image is stunning, to say the least. Above the central image is an inscription which reads “Liberty,” while the 1805 year of minting is inscribed below. On the very outer edges of both sides of the coin you will notice that there are raised notches, giving the coin a bit of added texture.

The reverse side of the coin is a good bit simpler, and in the center you will notice an inscription marking the “Half Cent” face value. Surrounding the face value inscription is a wreath that is loosely tied together with a bow. Directly beneath the bow there is one more inscription, this one reading “1/200.” This represents the Half Cent’s value relative to the value of a whole dollar. Finally, along the outside of the wreath there is another inscription reading “United States of America.”

Grading the 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent

For collectors, the unfortunate reality of the modern coin market is that there are counterfeits everywhere. When it comes to coins that are as popular as the 1805 Draped Bust, this is especially true. As such, collectors only purchase those coins that have been graded and determined to be authentic. Below, you will find an outline of the different coin grades as well as what those grades mean.

Uncirculated: An 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent that is determined to be of Uncirculated grade is a coin that has never seen any time on the open market. From the very first day that these coins were minted they were kept in safekeeping, and because of this their condition is perfect.

Extremely Fine: An Extremely Fine Half Cent will look to be in perfect condition, however closer inspection will reveal a few minor flaws. These flaws usually come in the form of a small scratch or two, but they will be uncovered during the grading process.

Fine: Fine is the grade given to 1805 Draped Bust Half Cents that have been circulated, but not heavily damaged. You will notice some light, consistent scratching on both faces of the piece, but all of the raised imagery and lettering will be intact and easily discernable with the naked eye.

Good: Good is the grade given to coins that have been both heavily circulated and heavily damaged. These pieces will play host to deep scratching, chipping, and even the complete wearing away of some of the surface imagery.

Pricing the 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent

In terms of assigning a price to the 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent, this is something that can best be determined by viewing the condition the coin is in. Naturally, coins that have been extremely well-preserved are going to carry a higher asking price than coins that have been worn and damaged. Below, you will find a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what you might be asked to pay for a graded 1805 Draped Bust Half Cent.

Half Cents

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1805 Draped Bust	$70	$120	$200	$750
Source: Red Book