As Thomas Jefferson prepared to take office as the third President of the United States in early 1801, a small number of silver dollars minted just months earlier circulated through a nation still finding its footing. These 1800 Draped Bust dollars—bearing the likeness of Liberty with flowing hair—passed through the hands of citizens who had lived through the Revolutionary War and now witnessed the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in American history.
Each worn example that survives today bears silent testimony to those pivotal early days of the republic, when the future of American democracy remained uncertain and the dollar itself was fighting for legitimacy in a world dominated by Spanish pieces of eight.
Specifications
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar represents a crucial period in early American coinage, when the young nation was establishing its monetary system amid significant economic and political challenges.
Weight: 26.96 grams (416 grains)
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 39-40mm (tolerance variations existed)
Edge: Lettered – “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”
Designer: Robert Scot (obverse), John Eckstein (reverse)
When handling these early silver dollars, collectors should be mindful that the high copper content makes them susceptible to environmental damage. The silver-copper alloy can develop dark toning over time, especially when exposed to sulfur compounds. However, this natural patina is often prized by serious collectors as evidence of originality and can enhance rather than detract from value when evenly distributed.
Mintage & Mint Marks
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as was the case for all U.S. coinage at this time. No mint marks were used.
Total mintage: 220,920
This official mintage figure from Mint records should be viewed with some caution. According to numismatic research by Q. David Bowers and others, some of these coins may have been struck using 1799 dies, and conversely, some 1800-dated coins may have been struck in early 1801. The Mint during this period often continued using dies until they wore out, regardless of the date they bore.
Records indicate that during this time, approximately 10% of silver dollars minted were reserved for assay purposes, with the remainder released into circulation. Given the heavy commercial use of silver dollars and subsequent melting during silver price increases throughout the 19th century, survival rates are quite low compared to the original mintage.
Varieties & Types
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar exists in several distinct varieties, making it a fascinating study for specialists:
Obverse Stars
- 10×5 stars arrangement: Ten stars to the left of Liberty’s portrait and five to the right (most common variety)
- 12×8 stars arrangement: Twelve stars to the left and eight to the right (much scarcer)
Die Varieties (Bolender Numbers)
- B-1 (BB-181): 10×5 stars, Wide Date
- B-2 (BB-182): 10×5 stars, Medium Date
- B-3 (BB-183): 12×8 stars, Normal Date (rarest variety)
- B-4 (BB-184): 10×5 stars, Wide Date, later die state than B-1
- B-5 (BB-185): 10×5 stars, Dotted Date
- B-6 (BB-186): 10×5 stars, Very Wide Date
The B-3 variety with 12×8 stars is particularly significant, as it is considered the key variety of the year with perhaps fewer than 100 specimens known across all grades. This represents an interim design stage between the standard 13 stars (representing the original colonies) and the eventual 15 stars that would acknowledge Vermont and Kentucky’s admission to the Union.
The “Dotted Date” B-5 variety shows small raised dots before and after the date, likely caused by foreign matter on the die during production.
Grading Standards & Diagnostic Traits
Grading early Draped Bust dollars requires attention to specific wear patterns:
G-4 (Good):
- Liberty’s profile is flat but clearly outlined
- Hair details completely worn smooth
- Stars visible as mere bumps
- Eagle’s form distinguishable, but all breast feathers gone
- Lettering on reverse heavily worn but legible
VG-8 (Very Good):
- Some hair definition emerges in Liberty’s central hair
- Face profile shows slight rounding
- Eagle’s breast beginning to show some definition
- Inner leaf details of wreath mostly gone
F-12 (Fine):
- Hair strands visible over most of Liberty’s head
- Face and neck show clear contours
- Drapery shows some fold lines
- Eagle has partial breast feather definition
- Wreath leaves show central structures
VF-20 (Very Fine):
- Hair strands clear with some separation
- Major details of drapery folds visible
- Diagnostic area: Check for wear on Liberty’s cheek and neck
- Eagle’s wing feathers show partial separation
- Shield lines visible
EF-40/XF-40 (Extremely Fine):
- Hair strands well-defined with minor wear at highest points
- Drapery shows clear fold lines
- Diagnostic area: Check high points at Liberty’s temple and bust
- Most feather detail visible on eagle
- Stars show full centers
AU-50 (About Uncirculated):
- Slight friction on highest points only
- Hair strands complete with only minor high-point wear
- Minor luster loss in exposed areas
- Diagnostic areas: Check Liberty’s cheek, bust point, and eagle’s breast
MS-60+ (Mint State):
- No wear, though may have contact marks
- Full luster, though often subdued on early dollars
- Hair strands complete
- Adjustment marks often present (file marks made at the Mint to adjust weight)
Important note: Many surviving 1800 dollars show evidence of cleaning, polishing, or environmental damage. Original surfaces command significant premiums, even in lower grades. Most examples grade between VG-8 and VF-30, with AU specimens quite scarce and true uncirculated coins exceedingly rare.
Value by Grade
Values for the 1800 Draped Bust dollar vary significantly based on grade, variety, and surface quality. The following table provides approximate retail values as of early 2025 (based on PCGS and Heritage Auctions data):
| Grade | Common Varieties | B-3 (12×8 Stars) |
| G-4 | $1,000-1,200 | $2,000-2,500 |
| VG-8 | $1,400-1,800 | $3,000-3,500 |
| F-12 | $2,200-2,700 | $4,500-5,500 |
| VF-20 | $3,500-4,000 | $7,000-8,000 |
| XF-40 | $7,500-9,500 | $15,000-18,000 |
| AU-50 | $15,000-20,000 | $30,000-40,000 |
| MS-60 | $30,000-40,000 | $60,000-75,000 |
| MS-63 | $60,000-85,000 | $120,000+ |
| MS-65 | $150,000+ | (None known) |
Notable Auction Results:
- An exceptional 1800 B-1 graded PCGS MS-65 sold for $822,500 at Heritage Auctions in 2013
- An 1800 B-3 (12×8 stars) in PCGS AU-55 realized $176,250 at Stack’s Bowers in 2021
- The finest known 1800 Dotted Date (B-5) in PCGS MS-64 brought $240,000 in 2020
It should be noted that even problem coins (those with cleaning, tooling, or damage) can command significant premiums due to the historical importance and scarcity of early dollars. A cleaned VF example might sell for 50-70% of the values listed above.
Authentication & Counterfeit Detection
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar has been a target for counterfeiters since the 19th century, with modern Chinese counterfeits presenting particular challenges. Here are key authentication points:
Weight and Dimensions
- Genuine coins weigh 26.96 grams ±0.5 grams
- Diameter should measure 39-40mm
- Thickness should be approximately 2.5-3mm
Edge Lettering
- Authentic examples have edge lettering reading “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”
- The lettering should be crisp, evenly spaced, and applied before striking
- Warning sign: Edge lettering that appears uneven or shows different wear patterns than the faces
Die Characteristics
- All genuine 1800 dollars should match known die varieties (B-1 through B-6)
- Familiarize yourself with star placement patterns for the variety
- Authentication tip: The curl directly above Liberty’s ear forms a distinctive “3” shape on all genuine specimens
Metal Properties
- The silver-copper alloy should have a distinctive ring when tapped
- Modern counterfeits often contain tungsten, which produces a duller sound
- A specific gravity test should yield approximately 10.2-10.4 g/cm³
Advanced Tests
- XRF analysis can confirm proper silver content (approximately 89-90%)
- Microscopic examination should reveal flow lines consistent with strike pressure
When in doubt: Seek authentication from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS before making a significant purchase. The investment in professional grading is minimal compared to the value of genuine specimens.
Preservation Tips
Proper handling and storage of your 1800 Draped Bust dollar is essential to preserve both its condition and value:
Handling
- Always hold by the edge, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces
- Use cotton gloves or thoroughly washed hands free of oils and residues
- Never clean, polish, or treat the surfaces with any chemical or abrasive
- Avoid rapid temperature changes that can lead to condensation
Storage
- Store in inert materials: Mylar flips, non-PVC holders, or certified slabs
- For unslabbed coins, consider quality albums with sulfur-free paper
- Maintain consistent humidity between 40-50% to prevent corrosion
- Keep away from wood, paper, rubber, and plastics that may emit harmful gases
Long-term Preservation
- Periodic examination (2-3 times yearly) helps catch developing issues
- Photography can document condition changes over time
- For high-value specimens, consider professional conservation if environmental damage appears
Remember that the natural patina on early silver dollars is considered part of their character and history. Attempts to “improve” appearance through cleaning almost always result in permanent damage and value reduction.
Collector Value & Outlook
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar holds particular significance in American numismatics for several reasons:
Historical Importance
As one of the earliest federal silver dollars, these coins represent a pivotal period in American monetary history. Minted during John Adams’ presidency and just before Thomas Jefferson took office, they circulated during a formative period of the republic. For context, when these dollars were struck, George Washington was still alive (though he would pass in December 1799), and the nation’s capital was being prepared for its move from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.
Investment Potential
Early dollars have consistently outperformed many other numismatic investments over the past 50 years. Analysis of auction data shows that quality 1800 dollars in VF and better grades have appreciated at an average annual rate of 6-8% since the 1970s, with exceptional specimens appreciating at even higher rates.
Market Trends
Current market trends suggest continued strong demand for authentic, problem-free examples:
- Growing interest in early American coinage among Asian and European collectors has broadened the market
- Increasing scarcity as specimens enter long-term collections and institutional holdings
- Premium values developing for examples with original surfaces and attractive natural toning
Collection Building Strategy
For collectors beginning with this series, consider:
- Starting with a mid-grade (F-VF) example of a common variety
- Focusing on original surfaces rather than higher technical grade
- Pursuing attributed varieties as knowledge and budget expand
- Prioritizing examples with provenance to notable collections
Famous Collections & Pedigrees
Provenance adds significant value to 1800 dollars. Notable collections that have included exceptional examples:
- The Eliasberg Collection
- The Cardinal Collection
- The D. Brent Pogue Collection
- The Newman Collection
- The Garrett Collection
Coins with documented provenance to these collections often command 10-30% premiums over similar examples without distinguished pedigrees.
FAQs
How many 1800 Draped Bust dollars are believed to survive today?
Numismatic experts estimate that approximately 1,500-2,000 examples exist across all grades, representing less than 1% of the original mintage. Of these, perhaps 60-75% show evidence of cleaning, damage, or repair. Truly pristine examples number fewer than 50 coins.
How can I tell if my 1800 dollar has been cleaned or altered?
Examine the surfaces under good lighting with at least 5× magnification. Authentic, unaltered coins show natural luster that radiates outward from the central devices. Cleaned coins often display hairline scratches in parallel patterns and unnatural brightness, particularly in protected areas near lettering and devices. Artificially toned coins typically show unusual coloration that doesn’t follow natural toning patterns.
Why do many 1800 dollars show adjustment marks, and do they affect value?
Adjustment marks are file marks made at the Mint before striking to adjust the weight of planchets. They appear as parallel lines, often most visible on the highest points or near the edges. These are considered mint-made characteristics rather than damage and generally do not detract from value unless exceptionally severe. Some collectors even prefer coins with adjustment marks as evidence of authentic minting practices.
What is the best reference book for studying 1800 Draped Bust dollars?
“The Early United States Silver Dollars from 1794 to 1803” by Q. David Bowers with Mark Borckardt remains the definitive reference. The “Bolender” system for variety attribution comes from M.H. Bolender’s “The United States Early Silver Dollars from 1794 to 1803,” but the Bowers-Borckardt (BB) numbers have largely supplanted Bolender numbers in modern attribution.
How does the rarity of the 1800 dollar compare to other years in the Draped Bust series?
The 1800 is more common than the 1794, 1795, and 1803, but scarcer than the 1799 in terms of total surviving examples. However, the 12×8 stars variety (B-3) of 1800 is among the scarcest varieties in the entire Draped Bust dollar series, comparable in rarity to many 1798 and 1801 varieties.
Conclusion
The 1800 Draped Bust dollar represents more than just a collectible coin—it embodies America’s monetary growing pains and the nation’s determination to establish economic sovereignty. Each surviving example has witnessed over two centuries of American history, passing through countless hands during a time when a silver dollar represented a day’s wages for many workers.
For today’s collector, these early dollars offer a tangible connection to the founding era of the United States. Whether you’re acquiring your first example or completing a variety set, the 1800 Draped Bust dollar stands as a crown jewel in any serious numismatic collection—a genuine artifact from the dawn of American coinage that continues to fascinate collectors and historians alike.
Remember that patience and education are your best allies when pursuing these historic coins. Take time to study varieties, understand grading standards, and develop relationships with reputable dealers who specialize in early American coinage. The quest for the perfect 1800 dollar may be challenging, but the rewards—both personal and potentially financial—make it a numismatic journey worth undertaking.