The production level for the 1796 Draped Bust Dollar (Buy on eBay) was somewhat low due to external circumstances which impacted the early United States Mint. There was still some discussion within Congress as to whether the costly U.S. Mint was necessary to operate and epidemics of yellow fever forced closure of the mint during the summer months.
The total mintage at the Philadelphia Mint was 79,920 pieces. This was higher than the previous year mintage for the series of 42,738, however, that year there were also 160,250 pieces struck with the prior Flowing Hair design.
Noted varieties for this year include three different possibilities resulting from a small date with small or large letters and a large date with small letters.
Coin Specifications
- Date: 1796
- Mint Mark: none
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Weight: 26.96 grams
- Diameter: 39.5 mm
- Designer: Robert Scot
- Mintage: 79,920
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