The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
The only known example of the 1797 half eagle with 15 stars obverse and large eage reverse is housed in the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection.
Obverse Description
Liberty with cap, facing right, surrounded by 16 stars and the word LIBERTY around the periphery. The date is centered at the bottom.
Reverse Description
The centerpiece of the reverse is the so-called "heraldic eagle" with wings fully spread and emblazoned with a shield replacing the chest. A ribbon bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM hangs from the beak. The eagle's right talon holds bundle of arrows and an olive branch in the right. Above the eagle's head are a group of stars and clouds with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the periphery.
Catalog Information
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Greysheet News
Dazzling rarities, free educational opportunities, family fun and more await at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The designs will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin.




