If you’ve ever wondered how much a piece of early American history is truly worth, the 1796 Silver Dollar Value might surprise you. This coin represents the second-to-last year of the Small Eagle reverse design, making it a historically significant treasure that serious collectors actively chase.
Well-preserved examples are extremely scarce, and that limited supply of coins in mint or near-mint condition creates heightened demand — driving prices up significantly.
In fact, even a circulated example in Good condition starts at around $2,896, while top-grade Mint State specimens have reached as high as $402,500, a powerful reminder of just how rare and desirable this coin truly is.
Coin Value Contents Table
- 1796 Silver Dollar Value By Variety
- 1796 Silver Dollar Value Chart
- Top 10 Most Valuable 1796 Silver Dollar Worth Money
- History of the 1796 Silver Dollar
- Is Your 1796 Silver Dollar Rare?
- Key Features of the 1796 Silver Dollar
- The Easy Way to Know Your 1796 Silver Dollar Value
- 1796 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Data
- 1796 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Chart
- 1796 Silver Dollar Value Guide
- 1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
- 1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar Value
- 1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
- Rare 1796 Silver Dollar Error List
- Where to Sell Your 1796 Silver Dollar?
- FAQ About The 1796 Silver Dollar
1796 Silver Dollar Value By Variety
The table below breaks down the 1796 Silver Dollar value across all three major varieties and grade levels, so you can quickly see what your coin might be worth. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.
1796 Silver Dollar Value Chart
| TYPE | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value | $2896.00 | $8085.00 | $24150.00 | $402500.00 | — |
| 1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar Value | $2896.00 | $8085.00 | $26450.00 | $207000.00 | — |
| 1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value | $2896.00 | $8085.00 | $24150.00 | $147200.00 | — |
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Top 10 Most Valuable 1796 Silver Dollar Worth Money
Most Valuable 1796 Silver Dollar Chart
2003 - Present
When it comes to the most valuable 1796 Silver Dollars ever sold at auction, grade and die variety make an enormous difference — and the numbers prove it.
The top spot belongs to the 1796 BB-63, Small Date & Letters graded MS-65, which achieved a staggering $1,175,000 — a record that reflects just how exceptional a gem-quality early American dollar truly is.
Following closely behind, the BB-66, Small Date & Letters graded MS-64 realized $456,000, while the Small Date, Large Letters variety in MS-63 brought $352,500 — both confirming that the Small Date varieties consistently command the strongest premiums at auction.
It’s also worth noting that even the lower-ranked examples on this list , such as the BB-61 pieces graded MS-60 through MS-63, still sold for six figures, ranging from $143,750 to $180,000.
The spread between the top and bottom of this list — from $120,000 to over $1 million, is a powerful illustration of how a single grade point can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars in the rare coin market.
History of the 1796 Silver Dollar
The 1796 Silver Dollar exists at a fascinating crossroads of American monetary history. Silver dollar coinage was first authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792, and by 1796, the Philadelphia Mint was still in its formative years — navigating the challenges of a new nation building its financial identity from the ground up.
The 1796 dollar represents the second year of the Draped Bust design and the second to last year of the Small Eagle reverse — a transitional moment that gives this coin a uniquely important place in the early American coinage timeline.
The Draped Bust design itself succeeded the short-lived Flowing Hair dollar, with Mint Director Elias Boudinot ordering in October 1795 that the legal silver fineness of 89.2% be properly enforced — a significant policy correction that shaped the composition of every dollar struck from that point forward.
Production in 1796 was disrupted by a convergence of institutional challenges. Assayer Albian Cox died suddenly from a stroke in November 1795, leaving a critical Mint post vacant, while a decline in private bullion deposits — the Mint’s only source of silver — further constrained output.
Just two years later, in early 1798, the Small Eagle reverse was replaced by a Heraldic Eagle modeled after the Great Seal of the United States, making 1796 one of the last years this original eagle design would ever appear on a U.S. silver dollar.
That combination of historical timing, institutional turbulence, and design transition is exactly what makes the 1796 Silver Dollar far more than just a coin — it is a tangible artifact of a young nation defining itself.
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Is Your 1796 Silver Dollar Rare?
1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar
1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar
1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar
The 1796 Silver Dollar is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in American numismatic history. With a very limited mintage, finding one in any condition is already considered an extraordinary discovery.
To quickly check how rare your specific 1796 Silver Dollar is, use the CoinValueChecker App — it gives you instant access to rarity ratings, mint mark details, and current market values all in one place.
Key Features of the 1796 Silver Dollar
The 1796 Silver Dollar, officially known as the Draped Bust Dollar, is one of the earliest and most historically significant coins ever struck by the United States Mint. With its elegant Draped Bust Liberty design and delicate Small Eagle reverse, this piece is a true treasure from the late 18th century.
The Obverse of the 1796 Silver Dollar
Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse showcases Lady Liberty with flowing locks, draped in a classical gown — a design that gave the coin its iconic “Draped Bust” name. The word “LIBERTY” appears above her head with the date positioned below the portrait.
Fifteen stars representing the number of states in the Union at the time encircle Liberty’s portrait. The date size — either Small Date or Large Date — is one of the first things collectors examine to identify the specific variety and its value.
The Reverse of the 1796 Silver Dollar
The reverse features the delicate Small Eagle perched on a rock within a wreath — a design that was soon replaced by the Heraldic Eagle in 1798. This makes the 1796 one of the last years to carry this short-lived and highly symbolic reverse design.
The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear along the rim and surround the eagle, flanked by olive and palm branches symbolizing victory and peace. Minor spacing differences in these letters across die varieties are key identifiers that can meaningfully affect the coin’s collector value.
Other Features of the 1796 Silver Dollar
The coin has a mass and weight of 26.96 grams, with a diameter of 40mm — giving it a substantial, authoritative feel that reflects the craftsmanship of early American coinage. On the edge of the coin is the lettered inscription “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”, a distinctive feature that sets early U.S. silver dollars apart from later issues.
The coin’s composition of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper also contributes to its base metal value, adding yet another layer to the overall 1796 Silver Dollar value beyond its numismatic significance.
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The Easy Way to Know Your 1796 Silver Dollar Value
Knowing your 1796 Silver Dollar value doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by checking two simple things: the coin’s condition and its die variety — prices can range from around $3,000 in lower grades to well over $200,000 in higher or Mint State condition.
A quick visual check goes a long way. Look at high-contact points like Liberty’s hair and face, and the eagle’s breast and wings — the sharper these details, the higher the grade and value.
For the fastest and most accurate estimate, download the CoinValueChecker App. It instantly identifies your coin’s grade, variety, and current market value — no experience needed.
1796 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Data
1796 Silver Dollar Mintage & Survival Chart
Survival Distribution
| Type | Mintage | Survival | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Date Small Letters | 79,920 | 1,500 | 1.8769% |
| Small Date Large Letters | 79,920 | 1,000 | 1.2513% |
| Large Date Small Letters | 79,920 | 700 | 0.8759% |
All three varieties of the 1796 Silver Dollar share the same original mintage figure, yet their survival rates tell a very different story.
The Small Date, Small Letters variety stands as the most commonly surviving example today, with an estimated 1,500 specimens still in existence — giving it the highest survival rate among the three.
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By contrast, the Large Date, Small Letters variety is the scarcest survivor, with only around 700 known examples remaining — a survival rate of less than 1%.
This dramatic gap in surviving populations directly explains why condition and variety play such a critical role in determining the 1796 Silver Dollar value. It also means that finding a problem-free, well-preserved example of any variety — let alone the rarest one — is a genuine challenge, even for experienced collectors.
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1796 Silver Dollar Value Guide
Not all 1796 Silver Dollars are created equal — and knowing which variety you have could mean the difference between a few thousand dollars and a six-figure sale.
Three major varieties make up the entire run of 1796 Silver Dollars: the Small Date, Small Letters; the Small Date, Large Letters; and the Large Date, Small Letters — each carrying its own rarity level, collector demand, and market value. Use the guide below to find out exactly what your specific variety is worth:
- 1796 Small Date, Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
- 1796 Small Date, Large Letters Silver Dollar Value
- 1796 Large Date, Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
The Small Date, Small Letters variety is identified by a thin, widely spaced date on the obverse, where all four digits sit noticeably far apart. A reliable detail to look for is that the “6” leans slightly to the left, and a berry appears directly under the “A” of STATES on the reverse — a quick identifier found on no other 1796 variety.
This variety actually encompasses multiple die pairings, including the BB-63 and BB-66, each with their own subtle die characteristics and rarity levels. The BB-66, for instance, is a conditionally challenging variety that becomes elusive in higher grades, with scholar Q. David Bowers estimating as few as 200 examples surviving across all grades.
The PCGS Condition Census for this variety tops out at AU-58, with no confirmed Mint State examples — meaning a truly uncirculated specimen has never been certified by PCGS. Only two examples of this entire major variety are known to exist in Mint State.
The most recent PCGS auction record stands at $90,000 for an AU-55 example sold through Stack’s Bowers in April 2025, reflecting steady collector demand for problem-free, original-surface survivors in any grade.
1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Check the table below to see how auction prices for the Small Date, Small Letters variety have shifted across different grades over time.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
When it comes to market activity, this variety draws consistent collector attention.
Market activity: 1796 Small Date Small Letters Silver Dollar
1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar Value
Among all three major varieties, the Small Date, Large Letters stands apart for one defining visual characteristic: the reverse lettering is very noticeably larger and positioned much closer to the rim — creating an immediately striking contrast against the delicate, widely spaced Small Date on the obverse.
Only two die marriages represent this variety — the BB-61 and BB-64 — and the BB-64 is known by only four examples, making it one of the most elusive die pairings in the entire 1796 dollar series. In practical terms, nearly every collectible example of this variety is a BB-61.
On the BB-61 obverse, the small wide date has the “96” close together with the “6” tipped to the left, and there is a raised dot die flaw above the “1” in the date — a subtle but concrete identifier that helps distinguish it from other Small Date varieties.
This variety is scarce in any condition and very rare in Uncirculated, with circulated examples starting around $2,832 in average grades. The PCGS auction record reached $352,500 for an MS-63+ example sold through Heritage Auctions in November 2013 — a figure that reflects just how aggressively collectors compete for high-grade survivors of this type.
1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The auction table below breaks down realized prices for the Small Date, Large Letters variety by grade, giving you a clear picture of what buyers have actually paid.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
Market activity for this variety tells its own story — see the data below to understand how demand for the Small Date, Large Letters has moved in recent years.
Market activity: 1796 Small Date Large Letters Silver Dollar Price/Grade
1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Value
The Large Date, Small Letters variety exists as a single die pairing — the BB-65 — meaning every known example of this variety was struck from exactly the same obverse and reverse dies. That fact alone makes it one of the most structurally defined varieties in early American coinage.
The obverse die is believed to be the last 1796-dated die produced, with digit sizes matching those used the following year in 1797. A practical identifier on this variety is that the lower-right tip of the “R” in LIBERTY is missing — a die break that appears consistently across all surviving examples and serves as an immediate attribution point.
On the reverse, the eagle punch was impressed deeply and strongly into the working die, giving this variety noticeably better breast feather definition than the BB-61. The reverse is also quickly identified by a lump at the upper right of the “I” in AMERICA, which becomes more pronounced across later die states.
Values start at around $2,853 in average circulated grades, rising sharply with condition. The finest known example — graded MS-64 by PCGS and tracing its provenance back to the Cleneay Sale of 1890 — realized $246,750 at Stack’s Bowers, a result that reflects both the rarity of high-grade survivors and the depth of collector demand for this single-die-pair variety.
1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Refer to the auction record table below to see how the Large Date, Small Letters variety has performed at major sales across different grade levels.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
As the scarcest of the three major varieties, its market activity reflects that rarity directly.
Market activity: 1796 Large Date Small Letters Silver Dollar
Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)
Rare 1796 Silver Dollar Error List
The 1796 Silver Dollar was struck by hand-powered screw presses in an era when quality control was far from perfect. As a result, a small number of surviving examples display fascinating minting errors that make them even rarer — and far more valuable — than standard issues of this already scarce coin.
1. 1796 Silver Dollar Off Center Strike
An off-center error on the 1796 Silver Dollar is one of the most visually dramatic discoveries a collector can make. This error occurs when a planchet is not properly positioned between the dies, resulting in the design being only partially struck on the planchet.
The percentage off-center matters greatly — the “sweet spot” for collectors is generally 40% to 60% off center, where both the error and enough of the design remain clearly visible. For a coin as rare as the 1796 Silver Dollar, even a 10–15% off-center example could command a significant premium well above the already high base value of $3,000–$10,000+.
Off-center coins with dates still visible are the most desirable of all these errors — making any 1796-dated off-center example a genuine numismatic trophy. Due to the hand-fed nature of the early screw press, this error, while rare, was physically possible and is documented on other coins of this era.
2. 1796 Silver Dollar Double Struck
A double-struck 1796 Silver Dollar ranks among the most extraordinary errors in early American coinage. A double-strike occurs when something is not working correctly with the coin press’ ejection system, causing the coin to receive a second blow from the dies rather than being properly ejected.
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The Double Strike error existed even in the earliest years of the U.S. Mint — this type of error on coins from the 1790s is considered of fantastic rarity, especially considering the controlled environment of the hand-powered screw press. A confirmed double-struck 1796 Silver Dollar would be worth a substantial multiple of its standard value, which already starts at $3,000+ in circulated grades.
Double-struck coins that are die struck on both sides are usually worth 25–100% more than uniface coins, and on a coin this historically significant, the premium could be far higher. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential to confirm this error type.
3. 1796 Silver Dollar Die Crack Error
Die crack errors are among the most historically documented errors found on 1796 Silver Dollars. The obverse die on certain BB varieties already shows signs of wear compounded by die cracks — visible raised lines running across the coin’s surface that developed as the aging die began to fracture under repeated striking pressure.
On a coin of this age and rarity, a dramatic die crack — especially one running through Liberty’s portrait or across the eagle on the reverse — adds both visual character and numismatic premium. Minor die cracks typically add a modest premium to the base value, while a late-stage dramatic crack can meaningfully increase collector interest and final auction price.
4. 1796 Silver Dollar Struck Through Error
A struck-through error happens when a foreign object — such as grease, metal debris, or cloth fiber — falls between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The foreign object becomes impressed into the blank’s surface, distorting the finished design.
On the 1796 Silver Dollar, a grease-filled die was the most likely culprit, causing areas of Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s feathers to appear weakly struck or entirely missing. Wire from a brush, string from a rag used to polish the dies, or grease filling the die are often the culprits. A confirmed struck-through example with a clear and dramatic void in the design can carry a premium of 15–30% above standard market value.
5. 1796 Silver Dollar Misaligned Die Error
A misaligned die error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies are slightly offset from one another at the moment of striking. This was a common error in early U.S. coinage due to undeveloped minting techniques, causing part of the design details to shift more towards the coin’s rim.
On the 1796 Silver Dollar, a notable misalignment can cause Liberty’s portrait or the surrounding stars to appear shifted, while the reverse eagle may sit noticeably off its intended center. Significant misalignments can increase the value of your silver dollar by 10–20% depending on the coin’s condition — a meaningful premium on a coin already worth thousands of dollars in standard grades.
Where to Sell Your 1796 Silver Dollar?
When you’re ready to sell your 1796 Silver Dollar, choosing the right platform makes all the difference in getting the best price. Trusted options include reputable auction houses, certified coin dealers, and established online marketplaces that specialize in rare coins.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
FAQ About The 1796 Silver Dollar
1. How much is a 1796 Silver Dollar worth?
The 1796 Silver Dollar value ranges from around $3,000 in lower grades to well over $200,000 in higher or Mint State condition. The exact value depends on the coin’s grade, die variety, and overall eye appeal. Use the CoinValueChecker App to get an instant estimate based on your specific coin.
2. How many 1796 Silver Dollars were minted?
Only 79,920 Draped Bust dollars were minted in 1796, and only a small fraction of these still survive today. By some estimates, fewer than 4,000 are thought to still exist. This extremely low survival rate is a major reason why the coin commands such high prices at auction.
3. Does the 1796 Silver Dollar have a mint mark?
All 1796 Silver Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and Philadelphia coins of this era carried no mint mark. There is no “D” or “S” mint mark on any genuine 1796 Silver Dollar. If you see a mint mark on one, treat it as a red flag for a counterfeit or altered coin.
4. What are the main varieties of the 1796 Silver Dollar?
Three major varieties make up the entire run of 1796 Silver Dollars: Small Date, Small Letters; Small Date, Large Letters; and Large Date, Small Letters. Of the three, the Large Date, Small Letters variety is the rarest — approximately twice as rare as the Small Date, Small Letters.
5. Which 1796 Silver Dollar variety is the most valuable?
The most expensive variety at the Mint State-60 grade level is the 1796 Small Date, Small Letters, which is worth around $145,000. However, any 1796 Silver Dollar in high grade is considered a trophy coin among serious collectors.
6. How do I tell if my 1796 Silver Dollar is real?
Start by checking the coin’s diameter (39–40mm) and weight (26.9 grams) for an initial assessment, then inspect the details including the inscriptions and images for any oddities. For a more reliable check, it is strongly recommended to have your coin professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
7. What does a 1796 Silver Dollar look like?
The obverse shows Liberty’s right-facing profile with flowing hair adorned with a ribbon, clothed in a draped gown. Fifteen stars encircle her portrait, with “LIBERTY” above and the date below. On the reverse, a small eagle is perched on a cloud, flanked by olive and palm branches, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the rim.
8. What factors affect the 1796 Silver Dollar value most?
The value is determined by a number of factors, including rarity, condition, and silver content. A coin in mint condition is worth significantly more than one that is damaged or worn. Die variety, provenance, and current collector demand also play an important role in setting the final market price.
9. Has a 1796 Silver Dollar ever sold for over $1 million?
Yes, a 1796 Silver Dollar BB-63 variety graded MS65 was auctioned in April 2013 for $1,057,500. Top-grade examples with clean surfaces and strong eye appeal are capable of reaching extraordinary prices at major auction houses.
10. How do I grade my 1796 Silver Dollar at home?
Pay attention to high contact points such as Liberty’s hair and face, and the eagle’s breast and wings. The sharper these details remain, the higher the grade. For a quick and beginner-friendly grade estimate, download the CoinValueChecker App — it walks you through the grading process step by step.
