1796 Capped Bust to Right Half Eagle
Base
About This Coin
The 1796 Capped Bust to Right Half Eagle is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Capped Bust to Right Half Eagles 1795-1807 series — the second year of the series. In 1796, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 6,196. This represents the lowest annual mintage in the entire series, below the series median of 33,345. The obverse features Liberty facing right wearing a cloth cap (pileus) and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1795-1807). Multiple die varieties exist. The 6 over 5 overdate is collected as a distinct variety. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 8.75 grams, 25 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $28K to $313K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $316K in MS64 grade at Stack's. Designed by Robert Scot.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.