Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1797-1804
Composition: 91.67% gold, 8.33% copper
Diameter: 33 mm
Weight: 17.5 grams (270.06 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 119,248
Proof Mintage: None

Beginning with coins dated 1797, the Heraldic Eagle reverse was mated to the obverse style used earlier. In keeping with silver and other gold denominations of the 1800 period, the reverse depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding in its talons a bundle of arrows and an olive branch and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A galaxy of stars and an arc of clouds is above. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination or value. The obverse remains the same as the preceding, except that the star configuration varies on certain issues. For example, the 1798/7, an overdate, exists with nine stars left and four right and also with seven stars left and six right. No eagles were struck after 1804, as it was felt that because of rising bullion prices the pieces would be melted or exported as soon as they were produced.

The type set collector will find that issues of 1799, 1800, 1801, or 1803 will be the most likely candidates. Examples are typically found in Very Fine to AU condition. Uncirculated pieces are rare. Such coins have frosty surfaces.