The 1797 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle with 15 stars is a remarkable and highly sought-after coin in American numismatics.
Minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1797, this coin bears the iconic Turban Head design, created by Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
The presence of 15 stars on the obverse of the coin is significant and reflects the early design conventions of the time. At the time of minting, there were 15 states in the Union, and it was customary for early U.S. coinage to feature one star for each state.
This practice continued until 1796 when the Mint Act of 1796 standardized the design of U.S. coinage, mandating 13 stars to represent the original 13 colonies.
The obverse of the coin features a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a turban, with fifteen stars arranged in a semicircle above her head, symbolizing the states of the Union. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath.
Coins from the late 18th century, such as the 1797 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle, are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and scarcity. They serve as tangible artifacts of America's early coinage and offer a glimpse into the nation's journey towards independence and economic prosperity.
Due to their rarity and historical importance, examples of the 1797 Turban Head Gold $5 Half Eagle with 15 stars command significant premiums in the numismatic market, particularly in well-preserved condition.
The 1796 Turban Head Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagle with stars on the obverse is a captivating piece of American numismatic history, embodying the early years of the United States Mint and the nation's transition toward a standardized coinage system.
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