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TheGeorge Washington gold half eagle is a commemorative coin issued by theUnited States Mint in 1999, the 200th anniversary of Washington's death.
United States | |
| Value | $5 U.S. dollars |
|---|---|
| Mass | 8.359 g (0.27 troy oz) |
| Diameter | 21.59 mm (.850 in) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Composition | 90%Au 10%Alloy |
| Gold | 0.24 troy oz |
| Years of minting | 1999 (1999) |
| Mint marks | W |
| Obverse | |
 | |
| Design | Profile of George Washington |
| Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse | |
 | |
| Design | Traditional view of a bald eagle |
| Designer | Laura Gardin Fraser |
TheGeorge Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–329 (text)(PDF)) authorized the production of a commemorative $5 gold coin (half eagle) to commemorate the life ofGeorge Washington, leader of theContinental Army during theAmerican Revolutionary War and the nation's first commander-in-chief. The act allowed the coins to be struck in bothproof anduncirculated finishes.[1]
The obverse of the George Washington gold half eagle, designed byLaura Gardin Fraser, bears a right-facing portrait of Washington. The reverse, also designed byFraser, features the Heraldic Eagle with outspread wings.[2] Fraser's obverse was later used as the obverse for the coins of the circulatingAmerican Women quarters program.[3]
