Designed by: Robert Scot
Issue Dates: 1798-1803
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 39 to 40 mm
Weight: 26.96 grams (416.05 grains)
Edge: Lettered HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT
Business Strike Mintage: 1,153,709 (The Mint did not record the mintages of the 1798 Small Eagle and 1798 Heraldic Eagle separately, so we have excluded the 1798 mintage of 327,536)
This style continues the Draped Bust obverse as preceding, except that the stars have been standardized to seven left and six right, the only exception being a scarce variety of 1799 with eight left and five right. The reverse is similar to that used on the dime of the year and is adapted from the Great Seal of the United States.
Examples of this design were minted from 1798 through 1803. In later years, "restrike" pieces were produced dated 1804 as were Proof restrikes from new dies bearing the dates 1801, 1802, and 1803. Among business strikes, examples most often encountered are apt to be dated 1798 or 1799. Those dated 1800 are scarcer, while those dated from 1801 through 1803 are considerably scarcer, although they are not rarities. Grades found usually range from Very Good through Very Fine. Extremely Fine coins are fairly scarce, while AU pieces are scarcer yet. Strictly Uncirculated coins are great rarities. In keeping with other early silver issues, pieces often display mint-caused planchet or adjustment marks and areas of light striking.