The 1795 Capped Bust Eagle (Buy on eBay) represents the first year of issue for the ten dollar gold denomination. The total mintage of 5,583 pieces is divided between two different varieties identified by the number of leaves on the palm branch on the reverse of the coin. The variety with thirteen leaves is more common, while the variety with nine leaves is considered a major rarity.
The variety was once called the “rarest of all eagles” with fewer than a dozen pieces believed to exist, however more examples have been discovered in recent times to correct that statement.
The reason for the creation of a reverse die with nine leaves is unknown, but it was only used for this variety indicating that it most likely failed during usage. The nine leaves variety has an estimated original mintage of only 500 pieces, with approximately 20 specimens still believed to exist across all grades. The finest known example graded PCGS MS-63+ sold for $1,057,500 at auction in 2015.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Robert Scot
- Composition: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Silver and Copper
- Weight: 17.50 grams
- Diameter: 33 mm
- Edge: Reeded
