Modelled after his own Quarter-Eagle design, and virtually identical to it, Robert Scot's Heraldic Eagle reverse is derived from the Great Seal of the United States. It seems, however, that Scot was not up to date on heraldry as far as his coinage dies are concerned. His design has the arrows of war in the eagle's right (viewer's left) talons, known as the dexter, or more honorable claw. The olive branch is in the eagle's left (viewer's right) talons, known as the sinister, or less honorable claw. In this version, the arrows of war outrank the olive branch of peace, unlike the Great Seal, which displays the two elements in their proper positions.
Scot's blunder is seen on all of his Heraldic Eagle reverse dies, from Half-Dimes through Eagles; at least he was consistent. In defense of Scot, it is certainly possible that mint or other government officials wished this heraldic faux pas to be prominently displayed upon our coinage to let the world know that the United States had "arrived" on the world scene.