|
|
1795-1797 Small Eagle Reverse Type
|
Designed by: Robert Scot
Issued Date: 1795-1797
Composition: 0.9167 parts gold, 0.0833 parts copper
Diameter: 33 mm
Weight: 270 grains
Edge: Reeded
Mint marks: Philadelphia (none)
Total Business strike mintage: 14,629
Total Proof strike mintage: None
Eagles or $10 pieces made their first appearance in circulation toward the end of 1795. The design of the first issue is similar to that of the contemporary half eagle. On the obverse Miss Liberty is shown wearing a cloth cap, facing right, with stars to the left and right. The reverse, copied from the design of an ancient cameo, depicts an eagle perched on a palm branch holding a wreath aloft in its beak. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no indication of denomination or value on this or the subsequent eagle type.
With a total mintage of fewer than 15,000 pieces, eagles of this design type are rare today. However, with some searching, attractive Very Fine to AU coins can be located. At infrequent intervals Uncirculated pieces appear, usually when great collections are dispersed. Such coins are apt to have prooflike surfaces, a situation especially true of the firs year of issue.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
