Design and Specifications of the Flowing Hair Half Dime
The Flowing Hair Half Dime was one of the first coins struck by the United States Mint. It was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and represented the smallest silver denomination in the early U.S. monetary system. The design, created by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, reflected the young nation’s ideals of liberty and freedom.
| Weight | 1.35 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty with flowing hair facing right, surrounded by stars |
| Reverse Design | Small eagle with spread wings perched on a cloud, surrounded by a wreath |
| Years of Minting | 1794-1795 |
Collectibility and Rare Varieties
The condition of Flowing Hair Half Dimes significantly impacts their value due to their age and low survival rate. Well-preserved specimens, particularly those in Mint State condition, are exceptionally valuable. Varieties exist for both years, including the 1795 with a recut date, which can command a premium. The 1794 issue is especially prized, with even low-grade examples fetching substantial sums due to its historical significance and rarity.
| 1794 | 7,765 minted; extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors |
|---|---|
| 1795 | 78,660 minted; rare but more available than the 1794 issue |
Explore Flowing Hair Half Dime Values by Year
Most Valuable Flowing Hair Half Dime
This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.
| Coin Name | Circulated Price | Uncirculated Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1795 Half Dime (Regular Strike) | $750.00 – $11,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-10 (Regular Strike) | $750.00 – $11,500.00 | – |
| 1794 Half Dime (Regular Strike) | $2,500.00 – $22,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike) | – | $20,000.00 – $40,000.00 |
| 1794 Half Dime (Special Strike) | – | $150,000.00 – $450,000.00 |
| 1794 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) | $17,500.00 | – |
| 1794 Half Dime LM-2 (Regular Strike) | $12,500.00 – $25,000.00 | – |
| 1794 Half Dime LM-3 (Regular Strike) | $2,500.00 – $22,500.00 | – |
| 1794 Half Dime LM-4 (Regular Strike) | $2,500.00 – $22,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-1 (Regular Strike) | $8,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-4 (Regular Strike) | $4,500.00 – $12,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-5 (Regular Strike) | $5,000.00 – $9,000.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-6 (Regular Strike) | $6,500.00 – $8,000.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-7 (Regular Strike) | $6,000.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-8 (Regular Strike) | $750.00 – $11,500.00 | – |
| 1795 Half Dime LM-9 (Regular Strike) | $2,000.00 – $11,000.00 | – |
