the reverse that appeared on the eagle from 1795 to mid-1797 depicts an eagle clutching a victory wreath, perched on a branch and surrounded by the nation's name. vermeule contends that the appearance of the bird is "difficult to describe" but that it has "a healthy individuality and an almost-rustic charm". breen suggests that the branch is from a palm tree, and that this is in tribute to desaussure, a south carolinian. the reverse coined from 1797 featured a heraldic eagle based on the great seal of the united states. breen points to what he deems a blunder on scot's part: the bird holds arrows and an olive branch, but carries the arrows in the dexter, or dominant right claw, symbolizing a preference for war over peace.