Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1795-1807
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 8.75 grams (135.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 316,867
Proof Mintage: None

In 1798 the reverse of the half eagle was restyled to incorporate the Heraldic Eagle motif. However, at the time it was the Mint's practice to keep earlier-dated dies on hand until they were no longer fit for service. It is believed that in 1798 the Mint combined the new reverse with obverse dies dated 1795 and 1797, thus producing earlier dated pieces. The motif was continued in service through 1807. The obverse design features Miss Liberty facing right, similar to the preceding issue. The star arrangements vary. The reverse is the Heraldic Eagle motif adopted from the Great Seal of the United States and is similar to that found on silver and other gold coins of the 1800 era. An eagle at the center, with a shield on its breast, holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons and a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak. Above is a galaxy of stars and an arc of clouds. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark or indication of value.

Although there are some rarities in the 1795-1807 span of this type, enough examples survive of most issues from 1798 through 1807 that the numismatist will have no difficulty acquiring a representative "type" specimen in Very Fine to AU preservation. Uncirculated coins come on the market occasionally and typically have frosty (rather than prooflike) surfaces.