1797 Capped Bust to Right Eagle - Small Eagle
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$448,500 MS-63 05-29-2007 Goldberg Auctioneers
Description
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1797 Capped Bust to Right Eagle - Small Eagle is part of the Capped Bust to Right Eagles 1795-1804 series. With a mintage of 3,615, this is an extremely rare issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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 (1795-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1797-1804). Both small eagle and large (heraldic) eagle reverse varieties exist, making 1797 a transitional year. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $16K to $217K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 17.5 grams, 33 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8555.
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.