$10 Draped Bust Gold (1795–1804)

The Act of April 2, 1792, authorized production of the eagle ($10 gold coin)—the nation's largest denomination at the time—and specified its weight and fineness. The first such coins were minted in 1795. Early on, eagles were widely used in commerce. Before long, most were exported in trade, and for this reason their coinage was halted after 1804.