Turban Head Quarter Eagle Values
How Much Turban Head Quarter Eagles are Worth: Turban Head Quarter 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | No Stars SRS: R4 100-125 Known | -- | -- | $63,800 | $101,500 | $151,000 | $182,500 | $388,500 | $1,750,000 | $2,435,000 | $3,070,000 | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | Less than 30 Known SRS: R6 | -- | $34,600 | $38,750 | $46,500 | $60,600 | $86,300 | $258,000 | $396,000 | $550,000 | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Less than 60 known SRS: R5 | -- | $6,875 | $9,350 | $10,745 | $18,250 | $30,700 | $108,700 | $220,000 | $330,000 | $836,000 | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | 14 star Reverse. 150-200 Known SRS: R4 | -- | $7,920 | $10,175 | $12,175 | $17,700 | $23,100 | $50,500 | $150,200 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 100-150 Known SRS: R4 | -- | $8,438 | $9,350 | $10,745 | $16,050 | $19,725 | $35,550 | $157,900 | $421,500 | -- | -- |
| 1806/4 | (None) Phil | Stars 8x5 Less than 100 Known SRS:R4 | -- | $8,438 | $9,625 | $11,020 | $16,600 | $21,100 | $58,900 | $145,750 | $220,000 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | 250-300 Known | -- | $6,875 | $9,350 | $10,745 | $16,050 | $18,900 | $35,550 | $114,650 | $207,500 | $617,500 | -- |
Turban Head Quarter Eagle: The Dawn of American Gold Coinage
The Turban Head Quarter Eagle, also known as the Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, was the first $2.50 gold coin issued by the United States Mint, produced from 1795 to 1807. This early gold piece is a prized collectible due to its historical significance, exquisite design, and limited surviving examples. As a representation of America’s early monetary system, this quarter eagle holds a special place in numismatics.
The Introduction and Evolution of the Turban Head Quarter Eagle
Minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the Turban Head Quarter Eagle debuted in 1795, just three years after the establishment of the U.S. Mint. Designed by Robert Scot, the coin features a bust of Liberty facing right, wearing a Phrygian cap often referred to as a “turban.” This distinctive design drew inspiration from classical European influences rather than traditional Native American or colonial motifs. The reverse showcases a small heraldic eagle (1796-1807) or a simple small eagle (1795), holding a laurel wreath, reinforcing the young nation’s identity.
Collecting the Turban Head Quarter Eagle
The Turban Head Quarter Eagle is one of the most sought-after early U.S. gold coins due to its limited mintage and historical importance. Collectors prize well-preserved examples, though finding high-grade specimens can be challenging due to their age and the impact of circulation. Coins from certain years, particularly the earliest issues and those struck in lower quantities, command strong premiums at auctions.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Look: Reputable auction houses, numismatic dealers, and specialized coin shows are the best sources for acquiring authentic specimens.
- Key Features to Assess: Look for strong details in Liberty’s hair and cap and a well-defined eagle on the reverse. Many surviving examples exhibit wear, so eye appeal is an important factor.
- Storage Recommendations: Due to their age and gold composition, these coins should be stored in secure, climate-controlled environments and professionally graded slabs to ensure preservation.
The Most Valuable Coins of the Series
Among the most valuable issues in the Turban Head Quarter Eagle series is the 1796 No Stars variety, which lacks the obverse stars present on later issues. This rare variant commands exceptionally high premiums due to its distinctiveness and scarcity. Additionally, the 1804 issue is highly coveted, as it had an extremely low mintage and is rarely found in uncirculated condition.
Investment Potential of the Turban Head Quarter Eagle
Given its status as one of America’s earliest gold coins, the Turban Head Quarter Eagle enjoys strong demand among collectors and investors. Coins in higher grades or with rare varieties consistently achieve record prices at auctions. The combination of historical significance, limited supply, and solid gold content ensures these quarter eagles remain a desirable investment in the numismatic market.
Key Dates and Rarities
- 1796 No Stars – A unique design omission, making it one of the most valuable early gold coins.
- 1796 With Stars – The first year stars appeared on the obverse, a significant modification to the design.
- 1804 – A scarce year with one of the lowest mintages in the series.
- Notable Varieties – Certain die variations exist due to the hand-crafted nature of early coinage, creating collectible subtypes.
The Design and Artistic Merit
Robert Scot’s design on the Turban Head Quarter Eagle exemplifies the neoclassical style popular in the late 18th century. The obverse features a youthful Liberty wearing a soft cap, a European-influenced representation of freedom rather than a direct reference to Indigenous culture. In its early years, the reverse featured a delicate small eagle, later replaced with the heraldic eagle, a nod to the evolving national identity of the young United States.
Conclusion: A Legacy in American Numismatics
One of the earliest U.S. gold coins, the Turban Head Quarter Eagle symbolizes America’s formative years in coinage. This series offers an exciting challenge for collectors and investors, whether searching for high-grade specimens or acquiring rare varieties. As one of the first gold coins struck by the fledgling U.S. Mint, it remains a treasured piece of history and a cornerstone of any serious numismatic collection.