1795 Draped Bust Dollar (Small Eagle) Value & Price Guide

The United States Mint struck its first silver dollars in 1794 using the Flowing Hair design. The coins were poorly struck, the dies wore out quickly, and only about 1,758 pieces were produced. By October 1795, the Mint was ready for a new design. Artist Gilbert Stuart had painted a portrait of Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham, and that portrait became the model for the new Draped Bust design engraved by Robert Scot. The resulting coin showed Liberty facing right with loose, draped hair and a flowing bust line. The reverse featured a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a cloud within a wreath.

The 1795 Draped Bust Dollar with Small Eagle reverse represents the dawn of American silver coinage as a serious, ongoing enterprise. An estimated 42,738 Draped Bust dollars were struck between late 1795 and early 1796 using the 1795-dated dies.

Quick Value Summary

• Item: 1795 Draped Bust Dollar, Small Eagle Reverse

• Year: 1795

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)

• Category: Coins

• Condition Range:

  • AG-3: $2,000 - $3,500
  • VG-8: $4,000 - $7,000
  • F-12: $7,000 - $12,000
  • VF-20: $12,000 - $20,000
  • EF-40: $25,000 - $45,000
  • AU-50: $50,000 - $100,000
  • MS-62+: $150,000 - $500,000+

• Record Sale: Exceptional Mint State examples have exceeded $500,000

• Rarity: Scarce. Estimated 2,500-4,000 surviving

The Story

The transition from Flowing Hair to Draped Bust happened quickly. Mint Director Henry DeSaussure reportedly found the Flowing Hair design unflattering and pushed for a replacement. Gilbert Stuart, the most prominent portrait painter in America, was commissioned. His model was Ann Willing Bingham, a celebrated beauty from one of Philadelphia's wealthiest families. Robert Scot translated the painting into a die engraving.

The Small Eagle reverse shows an eagle that looks more like a songbird than a bird of prey: a naturalistic bird perched on a cloud, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Congress eventually felt the small eagle didn't convey sufficient national strength, leading to the Heraldic Eagle replacement starting in 1798.

How to Identify It

• Obverse: Liberty faces right with draped bust and flowing hair tied with ribbon. "LIBERTY" above, "1795" below, stars flanking

• Reverse: Small eagle on cloud within wreath. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around perimeter

• Edge: Lettered: "HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT"

• Diameter: Approximately 39-40mm

• Weight: Approximately 26.96 grams

• Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper

Die Varieties: Multiple exist using the Bolender (B-) numbering system. B-14 is most common. Some varieties carry 20%-100% premiums.

Common Confusions:

• The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar is a different, earlier design

• Later Draped Bust Dollars (1798-1804) use Heraldic Eagle reverse

• Counterfeits and cast copies exist. Always buy certified

Value by Condition

AG-3 - $2,000 to $3,500 Heavily worn, design outline barely visible. Date must be readable. Entry point for an 18th-century American silver dollar.

VG-8 - $4,000 to $7,000 Major design elements visible. Liberty's face outlined, some hair detail. Lettering clear.

F-12 - $7,000 to $12,000 Moderate detail remains in hair and drapery. Eagle shows feather groups.

VF-20 - $12,000 to $20,000 Strong detail. Individual hair strands visible in less worn areas. Light wear on high points only.

EF-40 - $25,000 to $45,000 Retains most original detail. Wear limited to highest points. Some original luster may be visible.

AU-50 - $50,000 to $100,000 Slightest wear on highest points. Significant original luster remains.

MS-62+ - $150,000 to $500,000+ No wear. Original surfaces with full luster. The finest are numismatic treasures.

Authentication and Fakes

• Cast Copies: Most common. Show "grainy" surface under magnification, slightly different weight

• Die-Struck Counterfeits: Right weight but telltale letter shape differences

• Professional Certification: Essential. Buy only PCGS or NGC certified

Where to Sell

• Heritage Auctions: Premier venue for early American coins

• Stack's Bowers: Top-tier for early American specialty

• Major Coin Shows: ANA, FUN Show

Estimated Selling Costs:

• PCGS/NGC grading: $30-$65

• Auction commission: 10%-15%

• Insurance and shipping: $30-$100

Not sure about the condition of yours? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for a quick AI-powered estimate.

Explore More

The 1795 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the first coins the United States Mint got right. Holding one means holding a piece of the year George Washington was still President. Browse all Coins items ->

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