1791 Washington - Small Eagle Brass Cent

Coin Details

Description

Struck in brass rather than standard copper, this 1791 Washington cent with small eagle reverse carries a distinctive yellowish color. Cataloged as Baker 15A, Musante GW-15, and Whitman 10565, the obverse features Washington's bust while the reverse depicts a naturalistic eagle with outstretched wings — a design predating the heraldic eagle imagery that later dominated American coinage. Brass strikings are considerably rarer than copper, likely produced as presentation pieces or experimental strikes. These 1791 Washington cent patterns precede the official Getz patterns of 1792, reflecting the expectation that Washington's portrait would appear on the new nation's coinage — a concept Washington reportedly opposed on republican principles. Produced in England, likely at the Westwood workshop in Birmingham, these tokens were part of a broader commercial effort to produce Washington-themed pieces for collectors and circulation. The brass alloy of copper and zinc gives surviving specimens a warm golden tone prized by collectors of early Americana. All 1791 Washington cent varieties are very rare.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Brass strikings are much scarcer than copper.

Cross References

Baker 15A; Musante GW-15; Whitman 10565