1804 Proof Capped Bust to Right Eagle - Plain 4

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,280,000 PR63 09-29-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1804 Proof Capped Bust to Right Eagle - Plain 4 is a proof Gold Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Bust to Right Eagles 1795-1804 series. With a mintage of 6, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% of total production. 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). Final year of the Capped Bust Right Eagle. Production ceased because eagles were immediately exported after striking, yielding no benefit to domestic commerce. No eagles struck again until 1838. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $5006K. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 17.5 grams, 33 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8570.