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+ | -- | $24,800 | $28,900 | $33,050 | $42,050 | $53,250 | $96,000 | $216,250 | $354,000 | $800,500 | -- |
| 1796/5 | (None) Phil | 75-100 Known SRS: R4+ | -- | $27,705 | $31,415 | $36,980 | $47,505 | $62,950 | $124,250 | $325,000 | $396,000 | $726,000 | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle, 16 Stars 20-30 Known SRS: R6 | -- | -- | $27,500 | $38,500 | $80,750 | $135,500 | $427,500 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small Eagle 7 Known SRS: R7 | -- | -- | $275,000 | $440,000 | $732,500 | $1,740,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Large 8, 13 star Reverse 150-200 Known | -- | $6,750 | $6,545 | $8,525 | $13,275 | $17,920 | $36,650 | $85,200 | $143,750 | $229,500 | $370,500 |
| 1799 | (None) Phil | Small Stars Reverse | -- | -- | $7,110 | $8,160 | $14,450 | $17,350 | $36,375 | $102,100 | $168,750 | $220,000 | -- |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $5,450 | $6,500 | $8,835 | $11,560 | $18,900 | $46,750 | $65,000 | $150,750 | $311,250 |
| 1802/1 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $5,428 | $6,412 | $8,626 | $11,461 | $18,208 | $39,400 | $55,150 | $140,500 | $297,500 |
| 1803/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,285 | $11,010 | $17,575 | $33,625 | $50,750 | $135,000 | $289,250 |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | -- | $5,230 | $6,170 | $9,285 | $11,620 | $19,500 | $42,600 | $73,600 | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,285 | $11,560 | $18,125 | $33,625 | $53,400 | $175,000 | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | BD-1, Close Date 175-225 Known SRS: R4 | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,410 | $11,560 | $18,125 | $34,875 | $50,900 | $175,000 | $400,000 |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | BD-2, Close Date 100-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,410 | $11,560 | $18,125 | $34,875 | $53,400 | $175,000 | $400,000 |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Round 6, 7x6 Stars | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,285 | $11,010 | $17,575 | $33,625 | $47,175 | $135,000 | -- |
| 1806 | (None) Phil | Pointed 6, 8x5 stars | -- | -- | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,285 | $11,010 | $18,625 | $37,200 | $61,375 | $140,500 | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,500 | $5,230 | $6,170 | $8,285 | $11,010 | $17,575 | $33,625 | $47,175 | $192,500 | -- |
Turban Head Half Eagle: A Pioneering Gold Coin
The Turban Head Half Eagle, sometimes called the Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, was the first $5 gold coin struck by the United States Mint. Produced from 1795 to 1807, this historic coin was crucial in establishing America’s gold currency. Highly sought after by collectors, it embodies the artistry and ambition of the young nation’s coinage system, making it a treasured relic of early U.S. numismatics.
The Birth and Development of the Turban Head Half Eagle
First minted in 1795, the Turban Head Half Eagle was designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The obverse depicts Liberty facing right, wearing a soft Phrygian cap—often mistaken for a turban—symbolizing freedom. The early issues (1795-1797) featured a small eagle on the reverse, while later issues (1797-1807) introduced the heraldic eagle design, reinforcing national identity. This transition marked an important evolution in U.S. coinage.
Collecting the Turban Head Half Eagle
This series is one of the most coveted among early American gold coins due to its rarity, historical importance, and distinctive design. With relatively low mintages and the natural attrition of gold coins over time, finding high-quality specimens is a challenge. The survival rate is low, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable.
Essential Tips for Collectors
- Where to Look: The best sources for acquiring authentic specimens include top-tier numismatic auctions, dealers specializing in early American coinage, and coin expos.
- Key Features to Assess: Look for strong details on Liberty’s portrait, crisp edges on the stars, and a well-defined eagle on the reverse. Cleaning or excessive wear can significantly impact value.
- Storage Recommendations: Given its age and historical significance, this coin should be stored in secure, graded slabs or temperature-controlled environments to ensure long-term preservation.
Notable Rarities and Most Valuable Issues
Among the rarest and most valuable Turban Head Half Eagles is the 1798 Small Eagle reverse, a highly sought-after variety due to its extremely low mintage and short-lived design. Additionally, the 1795 issue, as the first-ever $5 gold coin produced by the U.S. Mint, holds immense historical importance and commands significant premiums in high grades.
Investment Appeal of the Turban Head Half Eagle
As one of the first gold coins minted in the U.S., the Turban Head Half Eagle maintains consistent demand from collectors and investors alike. The combination of historical significance, artistic merit, and scarcity makes it a solid long-term investment. High-grade examples and rare varieties continue to achieve impressive prices at auctions.
Key Dates and Significant Varieties
- 1795 Small Eagle – The inaugural $5 gold coin, making it one of the most historically important pieces in American numismatics.
- 1797 Heraldic Eagle – A major design change that introduced the now-iconic heraldic eagle, setting the stage for future coinage.
- 1798 Small Eagle Reverse – One of the rarest varieties, with only a handful known to exist.
- 1806 Pointed 6 and Round 6 Varieties – A minor but significant design distinction sought by specialists.
The Artistic Legacy of the Turban Head Design
Robert Scot’s Turban Head Half Eagle design remains an early masterpiece of U.S. coinage. The obverse showcases a youthful Liberty, embodying the ideals of freedom and democracy, while the reverse transitions from the delicate small eagle to the more robust heraldic eagle. This evolution reflects the growing identity and confidence of the United States as a new republic.
A Gold Coin of Historic Significance
The Turban Head Half Eagle is a foundational piece of U.S. numismatic history. Collectors and investors appreciate its rarity, beauty, and historical importance. Whether you are pursuing a key date for your collection or seeking a strong investment, this pioneering half eagle remains a symbol of America’s early financial and artistic aspirations.
