Under the Coinage Act of 1792, Draped Bust Half Eagles were struck from a composition of 91.67% gold and 8.33% silver and copper. The coins have an approximate diameter of 25 mm and weight of 8.75 grams, with some variation possible due to the handmade nature of the planchets. All coins have a reeded edge.
Adjustment marks made to modify the weight of the planchet before striking are often encountered, but do not have an influence on the grade. Striking quality varies, but virtually every example will display at least some weakness in the centers.
As the composition of the planchets varied from delivery to delivery, various toning is possible, but most will fall between orange-yellow and green-gold. Original examples are rare, and should be considered to be of premium quality, when they still have their original surfaces.
