American Silver

Hi,
If you are looking for a draped bust dollar in AU condition you can expect to pay at least $6000 for a genuine, no-problem coin. A draped bust half in AU would be about half that price. A Seated dollar would be cheaper, perhaps $700 and up for the most common dates. In that price range I strongly advise purchasing "slabbed" coins that have been graded by the top 3 grading services: PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. PCGS would be my preference. Taking this precaution will maximize the chance that these expensive coins will be genuine, accurately graded, and free of defects like cleaning, artificial toning, tooling (repairs), and other problems.

You might consider checking out a major auction house like Heritage or Stacks for those expensive items. One convenient way to shop is to attend major coin shows; if that is an option you can likely find coins that will satisfy and be able to buy without paying costly taxes or shipping. At least, that's how it works here in California!

Good luck!

Hi Gawd0wns,

I didn't mean to discourage you from your quest! The early US coins are expensive in AU but become much more affordable if you are willing to consider lower grades. Heritage has auctioned a number of Draped Bust dollars in VF-20 grade for around $2000 recently. If a F12 or F15 coin will satisfy you can probably score for close to $1000 with some searching. These are wonderful coins and (I think) would be worth saving for. This ANACS VF20 example went for $1840:



Draped bust halves are available for well under $1000. This one sold on Heritage for $632 recently and it is even a slightly better date. IMO, that's a lot of coin for the money. What's the expression...."quality is remembered long after price is forgotten...." It definitely applies for rare coin purchases!

I have the same 50 cent type set going too ! Look at my gallery. Only one missing is the Draped Bust with small eagle reverse.

You can probably get a VG-F Flowing Hair type for under 2k and a common date Draped Bust in VG-F for about 4-500. Unfortunately, the one I'm missing is going to cost more than a new luxury sedan... and that's for a AG-G coin .