Eagle's Honor versus Sinister Claw

earlwbollinger

I was reading a article referenced in a earlier post.
Link

In the article they discussed that the earlier eagles on the coins, would have the arrows held by the sinister claw and olive brances held
in the honor claw, which is based on the old "heraldic" ideas.

I don't have any good coins out at the moment, but in looking at a couple of worn down coins. . .
Is the left claw the sinister claw and the right claw is the honor claw?

Placid

1804

Your coin must be pretty worn if you can't tell where the arrows are.
1825


On all U.S. coins since 1807, the eagle has the arrows in his sinister claw, the olive branch in his dexter claw.

OKbustchaser

Yes, the honor (or dexter) claw is the right (from the eagle's perspective-not the viewer's) and the sinister is the left. With the capped bust series of 1807 the olive branch and arrows were reversed as compared to earlier series placing the olive branch in the claw of honor to show the U.S.'s desire for peace over war.

Jim

earlwbollinger

Thanks guys, that's what happens when you're looking a a couple of old Morgans early in the morning.

MrEureka

Unlike eagles, coin dealers typically have TWO sinister claws.

dorkkarl

ttt

K S

RichieURich

In the Browning book on Early Quarter Dollars, the 1821 B-6 quarter's description includes the "sinister talon". I knew what a talon was but not the "sinister" part, until this post! Now I know! Learned something today!

Thanks for posting this, Earl!