Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1796-1797
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams (208.02 grains)
Edge: Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR
Business Strike Mintage: 3,918
Proof Mintage: None

This design is similar to that of the other silver denominations of the 1796-1797 years. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty facing right, with flowing hair and a ribbon behind her head, her plunging neckline covered with drapery. LIBERTY is above, and the date is below. Varieties of 1796 exist with 15 and 16 obverse stars, while those of 1797 have 15 stars. The reverse illustrates an open wreath enclosing a small eagle perched on a cloud. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the fraction ½ surround.

Of all silver design types, the half dollar style of 1796-1797 is the rarest and most desired, eclipsing even the elusive 1796 quarter. Examples in any grade are few and far between, and even an About Good or a Good half dollar, when described in an auction catalogue, usually furnishes the occasion for a degree of excitement. Most known pieces are in lower grades, About Good to Very Good. Fine pieces are met with less frequency, Very Fine to Extremely Fine coins are rarer still, and coins in AU or better preservation are extreme rarities. Some 1796 half dollars exist with prooflike surfaces. In higher condition levels, while both dates are rare, 1797 is even more so than 1796. A numismatist is apt to find that this particular coin will be the stumbling block or the greatest challenge to finishing an exhibit of United States silver coin design types. Probably about 200 to 300 pieces exist in all grades.