1796 Capped Bust to Right Eagle

About This Coin

The 1796 Capped Bust to Right Eagle is a United States Gold Eagle from the Capped Bust to Right Eagles 1795-1804 series. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a cloth cap (pileus), while the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1797-1804). Designed by Robert Scot. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 17.5 grams, 33 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Capped Bust Right Eagle ($10 gold) was the largest gold denomination produced by the early U.S. Mint. Production was suspended after 1804 because the coins were being exported for their gold content, not returning to the next striking until the Liberty Head design of 1838. All dates are rare, with the 1795 being the most available. The 1798/97 overdate and the small vs. large eagle reverse types are major collector targets.