1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle

The 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle is a fascinating coin from the early years of the United States Mint. It’s part of the “Half Eagle” series, which refers to a gold coin worth five dollars. With its distinctive design and rich history, this coin is highly valued by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at this important piece of American numismatic history.

The History Behind the 1798 Turban Head Gold Half Eagle

The 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle was minted during a time when the United States was still in its early years as a nation. The U.S. Mint, established in 1792, started producing gold coins like the Half Eagle to show the country’s financial stability. The Half Eagle was one of the first gold coins minted in America, and it quickly became an essential part of the nation’s early economy.

The “Turban Head” design, used between 1795 and 1807, is actually a variation of the Liberty Cap design, often referred to as “Capped Bust” or “Draped Bust.” The term “turban” comes from the appearance of Liberty’s cap, which looks like a wrapped headpiece.

The Design of the 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle

The design of this coin is unique and full of symbolism:

• Obverse (Front): The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a cap that resembles a turban, with her hair flowing freely. Around her are 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The date “1798” is shown below Liberty’s portrait.
• Reverse (Back): The reverse of the coin showcases an eagle with a shield on its chest. The eagle holds an olive branch in one claw (representing peace) and arrows in the other (representing the nation’s readiness to defend itself). Above the eagle, there’s a banner that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one,” a motto representing the union of the states.

Table: Key Details of the 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle

Feature	Description
Mint Year	1798
Designer	Robert Scot
Composition	91.7% gold, 8.3% copper
Diameter	25 mm
Weight	8.75 grams
Mint Marks	None (Philadelphia Mint)
Obverse Design	Lady Liberty with a “turban” cap
Reverse Design	Eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows
Rarity	Very rare, especially in high grades

Why the 1798 Turban Head Half Eagle is So Valuable

Several factors make the 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle a prized possession for coin collectors:

1. Historical Significance: This coin represents a critical time in American history when the country was establishing its economy.
2. Rarity: Only a limited number of these coins were minted, making them rare and valuable.
3. Design: The unique design of Lady Liberty and the eagle on the reverse adds to the coin’s appeal.
4. Gold Content: Made of solid gold, the Half Eagle has intrinsic value based on its gold content, in addition to its rarity.

The 1798 Turban Head Half Eagle in Today’s Market

For collectors, finding a 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle in excellent condition can be challenging. Most of the coins that have survived are worn due to circulation. In auctions, these coins can sell for thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.

Conclusion

The 1798 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle is a rare and valuable piece of American history. With its unique design and limited mintage, this coin is highly sought after by collectors. It not only holds historical significance but also carries intrinsic value due to its gold content. Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone interested in U.S. history, this coin represents a fascinating era of the nation’s development.

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