1838 No Drapery, Large Stars

The 1838 No Drapery, Large Stars half dime introduces the Stars Obverse subtype that would dominate Seated Liberty half dime production through 1859. Partway through 1838, the Mint added thirteen stars around the obverse field, surrounding the seated Liberty figure. The original No Stars design, which had appeared on 1837 and early 1838 coins, was now abandoned. The stars brought the half dime into visual alignment with the traditional American silver coin design, which had carried stars since 1794.

The No Drapery designation refers to the treatment of Liberty's figure. On the earliest Seated Liberty coins (1837-early 1840), Liberty's left elbow does not have drapery cloth beneath it, and the overall figure appears more angular and classical. Drapery would be added to the design in 1840, softening Liberty's pose and changing the visual character of the obverse. The Stars, No Drapery combination is therefore a short-lived transitional subtype (1838-1840) that collectors pursue as a distinct type.

The Large Stars variety uses larger star punches than the Small Stars version that was also produced in 1838. The distinction reflects the Mint's initial uncertainty about the exact size of the stars on the new obverse design. The Large Stars is generally the more commonly encountered of the two.