coinage of eagles followed shortly after production of half eagles began, although the exact date is uncertain. the first group produced is believed to have been struck in august and september 1795; 1,097 eagles were made available for circulation on september 22. four hundred of these were immediately paid out to the bank of pennsylvania, which had deposited gold at the mint for striking into eagles. one piece was put aside for the mint's coin collection by eckfeldt.