1799 Capped Bust to Right Eagle

About This Coin

The 1799 Capped Bust to Right Eagle is a United States Gold Eagle from the Capped Bust to Right Eagles 1795-1804 series — 5th of 9 years in the series. In 1799, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 74,898. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above the series median of 5,999. 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). Multiple die varieties. Eagles served as the largest regular-issue gold coins for international trade. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper, weighing 17.5 grams, 33 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Struck one year after the 1798 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $12K to $88K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $494K in MS66 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Robert Scot.