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HALF EAGLE – CAPPED BUST RIGHT, SMALL EAGLE REVERSE [1795 – 1798]. This early half eagle was designed by Robert Scot. It was the first gold coin of the US series. The initial delivery of 744 pieces was made on July 31, 1795. The small eagle on the reverse side was criticized at the time for resembling a turkey – a scrawny turkey. Today’s collectors have a higher opinion of this exceedingly rare and beautiful coin. Coin images courtesy of Anaconda Rare Coins. |  |
HALF EAGLE – CAPPED BUST RIGHT, HERALDIC EAGLE REVERSE [1795 – 1807]. Also designed by Robert Scot, the heraldic eagle was intended as an improvement to the design. Unlucky for Scot, he had placed arrows in the eagle’s right claw, which, according to the laws of heraldry, implied greater importance than to the olive branch in the left claw. In fact, the Great Seal of the United States displays the olive branch in the right claw, signifying a dedication to peace. Scot’s error unintentionally suggested a bias in favor of war over peace. Coin images courtesy of Stack’s Rare Coins, New York City. |  |
HALF EAGLE – CAPPED BUST LEFT [1807 – 1812]. John Reich designed this piece after Robert Scot’s status at the mint declined. Reich was a German immigrant who became an indentured servant to gain entry into the United States in 1801. He applied for a position at the US Mint. Although Reich had an excellent reputation as a die sinker, it was not until 1807 that he was hired. This design is one of his first for US coinage. Coin images courtesy of Anaconda Rare Coins. |
