Vital Stats.

Type 1
Small Eagle

The 1795 Small Eagle half eagles were struck first followed by the 1795 Large Eagle (or Heraldic Eagle) later in the year. However, a return to the Small Eagle reverse for a few pieces in 1798 indicated the demand for serviceable dies. This would explain why the small Eagle design remained on the $10 Gold Eagle through 1797.

The model for the Capped Bust to Right, Small Eagle design is unknown. Walter Breen, says that Scott's model was, " copied some unlocated contemporaneous engraving of a Roman copy of a Hellenistic goddess, altering the hair, adding drapery and an oversize soft cap." Breen also described the reverse small eagle as from: "a sketch or engraving of a first-century A.D. Roman onyx cameo".

Type 2
Heraldic Eagle

The 1795 is not especially rare by normal standards, its popularity has however caused its price to be somewhat inflated. The estimated population of the 1795 issue is about 520 examples and none bore their denominations. But the 1795 issues were created from 12 different die pairings.