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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

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

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

  • 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

References

  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.