5 Dollars `Draped Bust` 1805 pattern, silver

The 1805 Judd-37 half eagle pattern occupies a peculiar position in early American numismatic history. By 1805, the Mint had effectively suspended gold coinage of the half eagle denomination due to chronic bullion shortages and the chronic problem of exported coins — gold pieces were being melted or shipped abroad almost immediately after striking, making regular production economically pointless. This silver pattern may reflect internal discussions about alternative approaches to the denomination rather than any serious intent to change the coinage laws.

Fewer than a handful of examples are known to exist.