Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1795-1798
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 8.75 grams (135.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 18,512
Proof Mintage: None

1795–1798 Capped Bust to Right Half Eagle – Small Eagle Reverse | Early U.S. Gold Icon

The Capped Bust to Right half eagle, struck from 1795 through 1798, holds the distinction of being the first U.S. gold coin struck for circulation, making it a cornerstone of early federal coinage. Designed by Robert Scot, this type features Miss Liberty facing right, adorned with a soft cap and ribbon, framed by LIBERTY above and the date below. Star counts vary, with most 1795 examples showing 10 stars to the left and five to the right, while rarer 1797 variants feature as many as 16 stars.

The reverse presents the elegant Small Eagle, perched on a palm branch and holding a laurel wreath aloft—an artistic departure from later heraldic motifs and likely inspired by classical design. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the eagle. Notably, no denomination appears, as coins of the era were traded by intrinsic metal value.

Surviving examples are typically found in Very Fine to About Uncirculated grades, with Uncirculated specimens being true rarities. Among 1795-dated coins, prooflike surfaces are not uncommon in higher grades, adding to their visual and collector appeal. The 1798 Small Eagle half eagle is a celebrated rarity, with fewer than a dozen known, making it one of the most elusive issues in early American gold.

With strong historical importance, exceptional artistry, and enduring collector demand, the 1795–1798 Small Eagle half eagle is a hallmark of pre-1800 U.S. numismatics and an essential acquisition for advanced type collectors and gold specialists alike.