George Washington half eagle

Summary

The George Washington gold half eagle is a commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint in 1999, the 200th anniversary of Washington's death.

George Washington gold $5
United States
Value$5 U.S. dollars
Mass8.359 g (0.27 troy oz)
Diameter21.59 mm (.850 in)
EdgeReeded
Composition90% Au
10% Alloy
Gold0.24 troy oz
Years of minting1999 (1999)
Mint marksW
Obverse
DesignProfile of George Washington
DesignerLaura Gardin Fraser
Reverse
DesignTraditional view of a bald eagle
DesignerLaura Gardin Fraser

Legislation edit

The George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 (Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States) 104–329 (text) (PDF)) authorized the production of a commemorative $5 gold coin (half eagle) to commemorate the life of George Washington, leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and the nation's first commander-in-chief. The act allowed the coins to be struck in both proof and uncirculated finishes.[1]

Design edit

The obverse of the George Washington gold half eagle, designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, bears a right-facing portrait of Washington. The reverse, also designed by Fraser, features the Heraldic Eagle with outspread wings.[2] Fraser's obverse was later used as the obverse for the coins of the circulating American Women quarters program.[3]

Specifications edit

  • Display Box: Maroon
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Weight: 8.359 grams; 0.27 troy ounce
  • Diameter: 21.59 millimeters; 0.850 inch
  • Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Alloy

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Text of H.R. 2026 (104th): George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 (Passed Congress version)". GovTrack.us. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
  2. ^ "George Washington Gold Five-Dollar". United States Mint. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
  3. ^ "Fraser portrait to finally debut on quarter in 2022". CoinWorld. Retrieved 2022-03-25.