Turban Head Half Eagle Values
How Much Turban Head Half Eagles are Worth: Turban Head Half Eagle Values & Coin Price Chart
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 | 500-600 Known SRS: R2+ | -- | $25,625.00 | $29,725.00 | $33,325.00 | $42,600.00 | $53,250.00 | $98,750.00 | $221,750.00 | $351,800.00 | $800,500.00 | -- |
| 1796/5 | (None) Phil | 75-100 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | $28,613.00 | $32,323.00 | $37,283.00 | $48,110.00 | $61,700.00 | $127,000.00 | $325,000.00 | $396,000.00 | $726,000.00 | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle, 16 Stars 20-30 Known SRS: R6 | -- | -- | $27,500.00 | $38,500.00 | $80,750.00 | $135,500.00 | $427,500.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle 7 Known SRS: R7 | -- | -- | $275,000.00 | $440,000.00 | $732,500.00 | $1,740,000.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Large 8, 13 star Reverse 150-200 Known | -- | $6,750.00 | $6,545.00 | $8,525.00 | $13,275.00 | $17,920.00 | $39,150.00 | $85,200.00 | $143,750.00 | $229,500.00 | $370,500.00 |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Small Stars Reverse | -- | -- | $7,110.00 | $8,160.00 | $13,950.00 | $16,600.00 | $36,375.00 | $102,100.00 | $168,750.00 | $220,000.00 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $5,575.00 | $6,625.00 | $8,960.00 | $11,560.00 | $19,650.00 | $46,750.00 | $65,000.00 | $150,750.00 | $311,250.00 |
| 1802/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $5,553.00 | $6,537.00 | $8,751.00 | $11,461.00 | $19,458.00 | $37,995.00 | $55,150.00 | $135,500.00 | $297,500.00 |
| 1803/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,750.00 | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $8,410.00 | $11,010.00 | $18,825.00 | $34,875.00 | $50,750.00 | $130,000.00 | $289,250.00 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | -- | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $9,285.00 | $11,620.00 | $22,000.00 | $42,600.00 | $73,600.00 | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,750.00 | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $8,410.00 | $11,560.00 | $19,375.00 | $34,875.00 | $53,400.00 | $175,000.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | BD-1, Close Date 175-225 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $3,960.00 | $4,840.00 | $6,820.00 | $11,560.00 | $19,375.00 | $34,875.00 | $50,900.00 | $165,000.00 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | BD-2, Close Date 100-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | -- | $3,960.00 | $4,840.00 | $6,820.00 | $10,120.00 | $13,750.00 | $34,875.00 | $53,400.00 | $175,000.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Round 6, 7x6 Stars | -- | $5,750.00 | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $8,410.00 | $11,010.00 | $18,825.00 | $34,875.00 | $47,175.00 | $130,000.00 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Pointed 6, 8x5 stars | -- | -- | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $8,410.00 | $11,010.00 | $19,375.00 | $38,450.00 | $61,375.00 | $135,500.00 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,750.00 | $5,355.00 | $6,295.00 | $8,410.00 | $11,010.00 | $18,825.00 | $34,875.00 | $47,175.00 | $192,500.00 | -- |
History of the Turban Head Half Eagle
The Turban Head Half Eagle, minted between 1795 and 1807, was the first $5 gold coin struck by the United States Mint. Designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, it reflects an early chapter in U.S. coinage and efforts to establish a reliable gold-based system.
The obverse of the coin depicts Liberty facing right, wearing a soft Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom often mistaken for a turban, hence the nickname “Turban Head.” Encircling Liberty are stars (the count varies by year and variety, often 13, 15, or 16), with 13 representing the original states.
The reverse underwent two major design changes over the series’ lifespan:
- 1795–1797: Small Eagle Reverse: Featuring an eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath.
- 1797–1807: Heraldic Eagle Reverse: Replaced the earlier design with a more formal version based on the Great Seal, showing an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing war and peace.
The Turban Head Half Eagle is .9167 fine gold (22 karats), about 25 mm in diameter, and weighs 8.75 grams. It circulated domestically and abroad as a high-value payment coin. However, the high intrinsic gold content led many to be melted or exported, making surviving specimens exceedingly rare today.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Each date is scarce; several years and varieties are major rarities.
- 1795 Small Eagle Half Eagle: As the first $5 gold coin issued by the United States, this inaugural piece is historically significant and consistently collected. Well-preserved examples bring strong premiums.
- 1797 Heraldic Eagle Half Eagle: A transitional issue marking adoption of the Heraldic Eagle design based on the Great Seal. Collectors often pursue this date to represent the shift in artistic and symbolic direction.
- 1798 Small Eagle Reverse: Among the rarest varieties in the series; only a few examples are known.
- 1806 Varieties (Pointed 6 and Round 6): A fascinating subtype for specialists. Both are collected; the Pointed 6 is generally scarcer, especially in higher grades.
Because of limited mintages, gold exportation, and melting during the 19th century, all Turban Head Half Eagles are considered scarce. Some date -variety combinations are extremely rare and appear only infrequently at major auctions. For example, the 1798 Small Eagle (BD-1) is estimated at roughly six to seven known pieces, so availability depends on market conditions and consignments.
Types of Collections
Collectors approach the Turban Head Half Eagle from several angles depending on their goals and expertise:
- Type Collectors: Seek a single example from each major design of U.S. gold coinage. The Turban Head is the nation’s first half eagle, making them highly collectible.
- Variety Specialists: Focus on die varieties, overdates (such as 1798/7), or distinct features like star arrangements or numeral shapes.
- Comprehensive Collections: Aim for a full date set, which is rarely complete due to extreme rarity. Even partial date sets are notable in the numismatic community.
High-grade examples are typically found only through major auction houses or private transactions between advanced collectors. Many have been certified by professional grading services like PCGS and NGC, which help verify authenticity and condition.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginner collectors, the Turban Head Half Eagle is often aspirational due to rarity and cost. Many start with later Liberty Head or Indian Head Half Eagles before pursuing early Federal issues. Its rarity and cost often place it beyond the reach of entry-level numismatists. However, learning about its history, design, and context provides valuable insight into early U.S. gold coinage.
Advanced Collecting
For advanced collectors, the Turban Head Half Eagle offers both a challenge and a reward. Specialists seek problem-free examples with strong details, original surfaces, and historical provenance. Many collectors track pedigree chains, tracing their coins back to famous collections like Garrett, Eliasberg, or Bass. Condition, originality, and eye appeal are paramount factors in determining Turban Head Half Eagle value, as each surviving coin tells a story of early American minting practices.
Investment Potential
Turban Head Half Eagles are historically significant and scarce, factors that have supported demand over time. Age, rarity, and gold content contribute to steady collector interest across market cycles. Even circulated examples often carry notable premiums, while high-grade coins often realize six- or seven-figure prices at major auctions.
Key drivers of the Turban Head Half Eagle value include:
- Historical Importance: As the first $5 gold denomination, it embodies the beginnings of U.S. gold coinage.
- Rarity: Limited mintage and widespread melting drastically reduced the surviving population.
- Artistry: The transition from the small to heraldic eagle reflects America’s maturing identity and confidence.
- Gold Content: Its intrinsic metal value ensures a base level of worth regardless of market fluctuations.
For buyers, these coins can diversify a tangible-asset collection. Demand is influenced by rarity, condition, provenance, and overall market interest. Its prestige and scarcity ensure ongoing collector demand, even as newer numismatic trends come and go.