The 1791 Small Eagle 1C Washington President coin holds a special place in American numismatics.
This early coin is a significant relic from the dawn of the United States, bearing the image of George Washington, the nation’s first president, and symbolizing the new nation’s identity.
Historical Significance
The Washington President coins were struck during a period of experimentation as the young United States sought to establish its own currency. In the years following the Revolutionary War, Congress debated whether to place a president’s image on coinage. George Washington himself expressed discomfort with the idea, preferring symbols of liberty to avoid associations with monarchy.
Despite Washington’s reservations, private minting companies in England and the United States produced coins featuring his likeness. These pieces were intended as pattern coins, promotional items, or tokens to demonstrate potential designs for U.S. currency.
The 1791 Small Eagle coin is one such example, showcasing a bust of Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, reflecting the ideals of the fledgling nation.The reverse design features the small eagle, a motif used on early U.S. coinage before being replaced by the heraldic eagle in 1796. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and readiness for defense.
Design and Composition
The coin is notable for its craftsmanship. The obverse features a left-facing bust of Washington in military attire, surrounded by the inscription “WASHINGTON PRESIDENT.”
The reverse displays a small eagle perched on a cloud, a design that differs from later, more detailed eagle depictions.These coins were typically struck in copper, though some rare silver pieces exist. Their design and composition were influenced by contemporary British tokens, which explains their resemblance to English coinage of the era.
Numismatic Value
The 1791 Small Eagle 1C coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, rarity, and connection to George Washington. Coins graded as “AU 55 BN” (About Uncirculated 55 with a Brown finish) by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) are particularly valuable, as they exhibit minimal wear and retain much of their original detail.
While exact market values can fluctuate based on demand, auction results for coins in similar conditions often range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more.
Provenance, eye appeal, and the coin’s grading play crucial roles in determining its final value.
Why It Matters
The 1791 Small Eagle 1C Washington President coin is more than a piece of metal—it is a tangible connection to the earliest days of the United States. It tells a story of a young nation defining its identity and honoring its first leader while grappling with the ideals of democracy and republicanism.
For collectors and historians, it is a treasured artifact, preserving the spirit and struggles of America’s formative years.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter this remarkable coin, you’re not just holding a collectible—you’re holding a piece of history.
The estimated number of surviving 1791 Small Eagle 1C Washington President coins is believed to be fewer than 200 specimens across all grades. Coins in higher grades, such as AU 55 BN or better, are even rarer, with likely fewer than 20 examples known. These estimates are based on population reports from grading services like NGC and PCGS, as well as historical auction records, making this coin an exceptional rarity in the numismatic world.
