1797 $5 Small Eagle, 15 Stars (Regular Strike)

Series: Draped Bust $5 1795-1807

PCGS MS61

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PCGS AU58

PCGS #:: 8069

Designer:: Robert Scot

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 25.00 millimeters

Weight:: 8.75 grams

Mintage:: 2,552

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 91.7% Gold, 8.3% Copper

Auction Record:: $117,000 • AU53 • 08-20-2023 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (4)

Major Varieties

1797 $5 Small Eagle, 16 Stars
1797 $5 Small Eagle, 15 Stars

Die Varieties

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For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	20	R-9.1	2 / 5	4 / 23 TIE
60 or Better	1	R-10.0	1 / 5	1 / 23
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 5	1 / 23

Survival Estimate
All Grades	20
60 or Better	1
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-9.1
60 or Better	R-10.0
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	2 / 5
60 or Better	1 / 5
65 or Better	1 / 5

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	4 / 23 TIE
60 or Better	1 / 23
65 or Better	1 / 23

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS61 PCGS grade	Jacob Shapiro Collection - Numismatic Gallery 3/1948:288, not sold - Jacob Shapiro Collection - RARCOA 4/1963:568 - R.L. Miles Collection - Stack's 10/1968:325 - Ed Milas Collection - RARCOA, sold privately in 3/1986 - D. Brent Pogue Collection
2	AU58 PCGS grade
3	AU55 PCGS grade
3	AU55 estimated grade	Heritage 8/2010:3471, $218,500
5	AU53 estimated grade
6	AU50 PCGS grade
6	AU50 estimated grade
7	XF45 estimated grade

#1 MS61 PCGS grade

Jacob Shapiro Collection - Numismatic Gallery 3/1948:288, not sold - Jacob Shapiro Collection - RARCOA 4/1963:568 - R.L. Miles Collection - Stack's 10/1968:325 - Ed Milas Collection - RARCOA, sold privately in 3/1986 - D. Brent Pogue Collection

#2 AU58 PCGS grade

#3 AU55 PCGS grade

#3 AU55 estimated grade

Heritage 8/2010:3471, $218,500

#5 AU53 estimated grade

#6 AU50 PCGS grade

#6 AU50 estimated grade

#7 XF45 estimated grade

David Akers (1975/88):

Chronologically, it is probable that this is the first of the 1797 Half Eagles, preceeding the 1797 16 Stars, Small Eagle, Heraldic Eagle, the 1797/5 and even the 1795 Heraldic Eagle. Like all 1797's, this is of extreme rarity in any condition with probably fewer than 20 pieces in existence. Somewhat more rare than the 16 Stars, Small Eagle variety in all grades, it is considerably more difficult to obtain better than EF. Most available specimens are only VF or EF and only 2-3 true uncs exist. Only two low grade specimens have been offered at auction in the past decade.