As did other denominations, the U.S. half-dollar coin used a draped bust Liberty design from 1796 to 1807. Draped bust half dollar coins, showing Liberty with cloth draped loosely around her chest, were made of silver. Sellers and buyers often deal in some nice examples of the draped bust half dollar coin these days; its provenance and importance in the history of American coinage make it a particularly attractive focus for numismatists.
The draped bust half dollar took over for the short-lived flowing hair half dollar coin. In 1807 the draped bust design would be discontinued in favor of the capped bust design.