Turban Head Gold Eagle Values
How Much Turban Head Gold Eagle
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1795 | (None) Phil | 13 Leaves, 400-600 Known, SRS: R2+ | -- | $32,500 | $34,850 | $43,150 | $67,200 | $98,800 | $191,000 | $403,200 | $777,000 | $1,397,500 | $2,350,000 |
| 1796 | (None) Phil | 125-175 Known, SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $29,700 | $36,300 | $64,700 | $76,300 | $153,500 | $471,020 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle, 50-60 Known | -- | -- | $39,600 | $52,800 | $80,750 | $114,000 | $271,000 | $478,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Large Eagle, 200-250 Known, SRS: R3+ | -- | -- | $11,000 | $16,675 | $26,550 | $36,800 | $72,500 | $242,000 | $308,000 | -- | -- |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | 9x4 stars. 80-100 Known, SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $12,100 | $17,050 | $45,375 | $64,150 | $159,000 | $356,750 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Large stars Obverse, 300-400 Known, SRS: R3+ | -- | $10,000 | $10,950 | $12,610 | $17,425 | $19,800 | $33,750 | $79,995 | $168,750 | $271,000 | $561,500 |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Small Stars Obverse, 400-550 Known, SRS: R3 | -- | $10,000 | $10,950 | $12,610 | $17,797 | $20,240 | $34,438 | $78,800 | $191,500 | $268,800 | $440,000 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | 200-300 SRS: R3+ | -- | -- | $9,900 | $12,610 | $17,425 | $19,800 | $36,500 | $88,500 | $338,750 | $445,250 | -- |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | 650-850 Known, SRS: R3+ | -- | $10,000 | $11,225 | $12,885 | $17,975 | $20,900 | $33,750 | $88,995 | $151,150 | $254,500 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Small Reverse Stars, 200-275 Known, SRS: R3+ | -- | -- | $12,100 | $14,375 | $18,525 | $24,200 | $43,450 | $82,450 | $192,250 | $487,500 | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | Large Reerse stars, 100-120 Known, SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $10,450 | $12,045 | $19,775 | $24,750 | $44,250 | $75,500 | $115,500 | $231,000 | $440,000 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Crosslet 4, 80-100 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | -- | $22,000 | $25,850 | $40,400 | $56,150 | $139,750 | $363,750 | $600,000 | -- | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Plain 4, 4 Known | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,525,000 | $3,230,000 | $3,960,000 | -- |
Turban Head Gold Eagle: The First $10 Gold Coin of the United States
The Turban Head Gold Eagle, minted from 1795 to 1804, is the first $10 gold coin ever issued by the United States Mint. Designed by Robert Scot, it was a bold statement of the young nation’s economic ambition and international credibility. With its high gold content, historical significance, and extreme rarity, the Turban Head Gold Eagle is one of the most sought-after coins in early American numismatics.
Early American Coinage Design
The obverse features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, commonly called a “turban,” surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse design evolved over time after critics referred to the original version as a “scrawny eagle.” Robert Scot updated it to the Heraldic Eagle, inspired by the Great Seal of the United States.
- 1795–1797: Small Eagle Reverse – The earliest issues featured a delicate, perched eagle within a wreath, similar to other early U.S. gold and silver coins.
- 1797–1804: Heraldic Eagle Reverse – A more powerful heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch replaced the small eagle.
Both designs emphasized strength, freedom, and the growing presence of the United States on the world stage.
Challenges in Collecting the Turban Head Gold Eagle
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the gold in these coins was worth more on the world market than the face value of the coins. Many coins were melted down or exported, and as a result, surviving examples are rare, and high-grade versions are extremely valuable.
Where to Find These Coins
Most are found only in elite numismatic auctions and museum collections. Given their extreme rarity, fully original, well-preserved pieces can command seven-figure prices.
What to Look For:
- Strong strike details, particularly in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s wings.
- Minimal wear, as many surviving examples saw heavy circulation.
- Coins with original surfaces or sharp relief are among the most desirable.
Scarce Dates and Key Varieties
Each year of the Turban Head Gold Eagle is scarce, but some stand out as particularly valuable:
- 1795 Turban Head Gold Eagle – The first-ever $10 gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint, making it a key piece in early American history.
- 1797 Turban Head Gold Eagle (Small Eagle vs. Heraldic Eagle) – This year marked the transition from the Small Eagle reverse to the Heraldic Eagle design, creating two distinct varieties.
- 1804 Turban Head Gold Eagle – One of the rarest issues in U.S. coinage, with only a handful known to exist.
Notable Errors and Collectible Variations:
- Overdates, such as the 1798/7, where a previous year’s date was repunched.
- Die cracks and weak strikes, common in early hand-struck coins, add historical intrigue to certain specimens.
Gold Standards and the Coin’s Role in Early Trade
The Turban Head Gold Eagle was struck during a time when the U.S. was still establishing its place in global trade. As one of the most valuable coins in circulation, it was often used in large transactions, foreign exchanges, and as a store of wealth.
Why This Coin Remains Highly Collectible
- It represents the foundation of U.S. gold coinage.
- Surviving examples are exceedingly rare, setting the stage for value appreciation.
- Its size and gold content make it one of the most impressive early American coins.
A Gold Coin That Defined an Era
The Turban Head Gold Eagle is a cornerstone of early American numismatics, symbolizing the financial and economic aspirations of the fledgling United States. Whether sought for its historical importance, rarity, or artistic appeal, this coin remains a prized possession for elite collectors and institutions worldwide.
