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.
| Denomination: | George Washington gold $5 |
| Country: | United States |
| Value: | $5 U.S. dollars |
| Mass G: | 8.359 |
| Mass Troy Oz: | 0.27 |
| Gold Troy Oz: | 0.24 |
| Diameter Mm: | 21.59 |
| Diameter Inch: | .850 |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Composition: | 90% Au 10% Alloy |
| Mint Marks: | W |
| Catalogue Number: | --> |
| Obverse: | File:1999 half eagle.tif |
| Obverse Design: | Profile of George Washington |
| Obverse Designer: | Laura Gardin Fraser |
| Reverse: | File:1999 George Washington Half Eagle Reverse.jpg |
| Reverse Design: | Traditional view of a bald eagle |
| Reverse Designer: | Laura Gardin Fraser |
The George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 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]
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 byFraser, 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]