1800-1808 Draped Bust (Series 3)
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Designed by: Robert Scot after Gilbert Stuart
Issue Dates: 1800-1808
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 23.5 mm
Weight: 84 grains
Edge: Plain
Business strike mintage: 3,416,95O
Proof mintage: None
The Draped Bust obverse, earlier used on silver dollars beginning in 1795 and on certain other early denominations beginning in 1796, did not appear on the half cent until 1800. Undoubtedly it would have appeared earlier had coinage of half cents not been suspended during the 1798-1799 years. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty facing right, with flowing hair and a ribbon behind her head, her plunging neckline covered with drapery. The word LIBERTY is above, and the date is below. The Draped Bust motif was created by noted portrait artist Gilbert Stuart in 1795, as noted. Robert Scot adapted it for use on the half cent.
The reverse comprises an open wreath enclosing HALF CENT, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 1/200 around the border. The edges of these and all later half cents are plain.
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