1799 $1 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Large Eagle NGC VF30 (CAC)

The coin offered by AUCM has the same design as the famed 1804 Silver dollar below!

There was criticism of the Small Eagle reverse on the Draped Bust dollar of 1795-1798. It was perceived to be "scrawny" and the U.S. Mint responded by changing the reverse design to a heraldic eagle. There has been conjecture that the change was motivated by a supposed cultural preference for a national symbol similar to those of European states. The eagle and shield design of the Great Seal of the United States fit the bill. The Great Seal, designed by William Barton of Philadelphia, had been adopted by both the Continental Congress and the U.S. Congress, and therefore was a familiar motif to Americans. The new reverse design also was similar to the recognizable and common foreign coins that circulated in the new nation. Chief Engraver Robert Scot adapted the Great Seal for the reverse design. Much attention has been paid to Scot's error of placement of the olive branch and arrows. The olive branch of peace is grasped in his left talon, which is considered the 'less honorable' one, while the arrows are held in his right talon, in essence symbolizing that 'war is more honorable than peace.'