Whitman Expo
1797 Large Eagle, 16 Stars Obverse $5 Gold MS Values
Details
The only known example of the 1797 half eagle with 16 stars obverse and large eage reverse is housed in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection.
This coin is made of 91.67% gold; 8.33% silver & copper and has a current melt value of $1,290.98
Obverse: Liberty with cap, facing right, surrounded by 16 stars and the word LIBERTY around the periphery. The date is centered at the bottom.
Reverse: The centerpiece of the reverse is the so-called "heraldic eagle" with wings fully spread and emblazoned with a shield replacing the chest. A ribbon bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM hangs from the beak. The eagle's right talon holds bundle of arrows and an olive branch in the right. Above the eagle's head are a group of stars and clouds with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the periphery.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
unique
Coinage Type:
Five Dollar Gold Half Eagle
Coinage Years:
1795-1807
Composition:
91.67% gold; 8.33% silver & copper
Prefix:
Unique
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Large Eagle, 16 Stars Obverse
Rarity:
R-8
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9167
Weight:
8.75 gr
Weight:
0.2813 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.2579 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
25 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1797
Obverse Designer:
Robert Scot
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM
Reverse Designer:
Robert Scot
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