Price Guide for 1794 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.10 – $252,000.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $195,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,677.90 – $29,775.00Uncirculated: $595.00 – $28,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,000.00 – $250,000.00Uncirculated: $300,000.00 – $1,850,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $998.75 – $218,500.00Uncirculated: $152,750.00 – $288,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,850.00 – $25,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,000.00 – $250,000.00Uncirculated: $300,000.00 – $500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $863.00 – $72,000.00Uncirculated: $288,500.00 – $1,800,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $4,400.00 – $6,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,000.00 – $250,000.00Uncirculated: $300,000.00 – $1,850,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,763.00 – $40,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $3,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $978.00 – $115,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,279.94
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12,500.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00 – $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,036.00 – $15,499.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,500.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,000.00 – $10,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,035.00 – $253,000.00Uncirculated: $189,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,570.90 – $6,670.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,500.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,800.00 – $83,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3,500.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,680.00 – $204,125.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00 – $42,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,827.78 – $3,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6,500.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6,000.00 – $27,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $705,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,040.00 – $50,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17,500.00 – $125,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1794 Half Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar represents one of the first silver coin denominations struck by the newly established United States Mint. It was minted for only two years (1794-1795) before being replaced by the Draped Bust design. This coin holds significant historical importance as it marks the beginning of regular silver coinage in the United States, following the Coinage Act of 1792.
| Weight | 13.48 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Flowing Hair Liberty, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Small eagle within wreath, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1794 Half Dollar has a profound impact on its value. Due to its age and limited mintage, finding high-grade specimens is extremely challenging. Coins in Very Fine (VF) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The strike quality can vary significantly, with many examples showing weakness in certain areas, particularly on the obverse stars and reverse eagle. Well-struck examples command a premium. Original surface preservation is crucial, with coins retaining original luster or attractive natural toning being particularly desirable.
Mintage: 23,464
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades above VF, with only a handful known in Mint State
Varieties Errors: O-101, O-101a, O-102, O-103, O-104, O-105, O-106, O-107 (Overton varieties)
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and extreme rarity
Die varieties play a significant role in the value of 1794 Half Dollars. The Overton reference numbers (O-101 through O-107) identify different die pairings, with some being rarer than others. The O-101 and O-104 varieties are considered the rarest and most valuable.
Provenance can also greatly enhance value, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection or has been featured in important auctions. Additionally, the historical significance of this first-year issue adds a premium to all examples, regardless of condition.
