HALF EAGLE 1795-1798 Small Reverse Eagle - More Details
This coin is the first gold coin ever put into circulation in the United States. It is referred to today as the Capped Bust to Right obverse with Small Eagle reverse. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty, wearing a cloth cap, facing right, with LIBERTY to the right above and the date below. There are typically 10 stars to the left and five to the right, but one variety of 1797 has 16 stars arranged, 11 to the left and five to the right.
The reverse shows an eagle perched on a palm branch holding a wreath aloft in its beak. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark or indication of value on the piece.
Several hundred examples survive of various 1795-1798 half eagles with the Small Eagle reverse. Most of these bear the date of the first year of issue, 1795. Most surviving specimens are in grades from Very Fine through AU, but over the years a number have been designated as Uncirculated. Among 1795 half eagles, AU and Uncirculated coins often possess prooflike surfaces.
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