Object Details
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
obverse designer
Scot, Robert
obverse engraver
Scot, Robert
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1797
Obverse Image: Capped bust of Liberty facing right.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1797
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle, clouds and stars above.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Although dated 1797, this coin was probably minted in the following year. Early United States coins do not always bear the year in which they were struck. The annual visit of yellow fever to Philadelphia, and to the U.S. Mint there, imparted a disjointed quality to our early numismatics.
What is definitely known is that Robert Scot was responsible for the designs. His new, bellicose eagle is a direct reflection of increased national tensions with the British and French. This particular coin is unique.
Credit Line
Estate of Josiah K. Lilly
date made
1797
ID Number
NU.68.159.0158
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0158
Object Name
coin
Physical Description
gold (overall material)
0 (overall die axis)
0 (overall die axis measurement)
struck (overall production method)
185 (overall die axis measurement)
Measurements
overall: 20 mm x 23 mm; 25/32 in x 29/32 in
place of issue
United States
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Related Publication
Glossary of Coins and Currency Terms
Related Web Publication
http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins/glossary.cfm
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Coins, Currency and Medals
Josiah K. Lilly Jr. Collection
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1081168