The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle, known as one of the rare treasures of early American coinage, holds a unique place in numismatic history. This $10 gold coin was produced by the U.S. Mint just five years after its establishment.
Struck with two distinct reverse designs – the Small Eagle and the Heraldic Eagle – the coin stands out as a valuable collector’s item. Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating coin, from its history to its market value.
A Brief History of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle
The Capped Bust Eagle series began in 1795, with the Small Eagle reverse introduced initially. By 1797, the U.S. Mint was undergoing significant changes and introduced the Heraldic Eagle reverse to replace the Small Eagle design.
These two variations in the reverse design make the 1797 edition particularly intriguing. A single die was used to mint the last of the Small Eagle Capped Bust Eagles, while three dies produced the 1797-dated coins with the new Heraldic Eagle design.
Numismatic expert John W. Dannreuther estimates that between 1,250 and 3,615 coins were minted with the Small Eagle reverse, while the total number of 1797-dated Eagles, including the Heraldic Eagle, could be between 8,750 and 12,500 pieces. These limited numbers enhance the coin’s rarity and desirability among collectors today.
Why the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle Is Valuable?
This gold coin not only had the highest denomination of the era but its design is also considered a piece of early American art. The high value of $10 at that time made these coins impractical for daily transactions, leading them to be heavily exported as payments for imported goods from Europe.
The Capped Bust Eagle with the Small Eagle reverse is admired for its intricate design and the slight variations from one die to another due to the Mint’s primitive technology.
One notable feature is the 16-star arrangement on the obverse (front) of the coin, a layout seen in only a few American coins. Additionally, most coins show a die crack running from below the 16th star, adding character to the design and helping collectors identify genuine pieces.
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Current Market Value and Noteworthy Specimens
Over the years, the value of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle with the Small Eagle reverse has surged, often selling for around $100,000 or more, even in lower grades.
The highest-graded specimen known today includes the Beldon Roach – Amon Carter, Sr. specimen, graded at MS63, and another highly-regarded example is the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection specimen, graded at MS62.
These coins are often identified by the distinctive 12×4 star layout on the obverse and the die crack mentioned earlier. For collectors, these details, combined with the coin’s rarity, make the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle a gem within numismatic circles.
Design Details of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle
Obverse: The front of the coin features a portrait of Liberty wearing a cap, often described as a turban or a Phrygian cap, though the design doesn’t fully resemble either. The date, 1797, sits below the bust, slightly angled. The word “LIBERTY” is positioned above her head, with 12 stars on the left and four on the right, symbolizing the 16 states of the Union at the time.
Reverse: The reverse shows a long-necked eagle holding a palm frond and laurel wreath, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling the bird. The layout of the words and the design are classic for early American coins and add to the coin’s aesthetic appeal.
Edge: The reeded edge was included as an anti-counterfeiting measure, a common feature in many early American coins.
Coin Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 1797 |
| Denomination | One Eagle ($10 USD) |
| Mintmark | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage Estimate | 1,250 to 3,615 (Small Eagle) |
| Alloy | 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper |
| Weight | 17.5 grams |
| Diameter | 33.0 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Robert Scot |
| Reverse Designer | Robert Scot |
| Quality | Business Strike |
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Summary
The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle with Small Eagle reverse is a rare and valuable coin, representing a unique piece of U.S. Mint history. Its distinctive design, limited mintage, and high value make it a coveted item for serious collectors.
Whether you’re a numismatist or simply a history enthusiast, the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle remains a timeless symbol of early American coinage.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert..