HALF DOLLAR 1794-1795 Flowing Hair - More Details
Minted in the days when a Half Dollar bought a fine pair of pants, these coins were intended to be the workhorses of commerce. The obverse features a small head of Miss Liberty facing right, with flowing hair behind, LIBERTY above, and the date below. Eight stars are to the left and seven to the right. The reverse illustrates an open wreath enclosing a "small" eagle perched on a cloud, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. The borders of this and other half dollars (until over a century later in 1916) have denticles.
Today the coin dated 1794 is a much rarer find. Ten times as many coins were struck in 1795 as the coin became a favorite medium for trade. Examples of both years are apt to be seen in lower grades, from About Good to Fine. Very Fine coins are scarce, Extremely Fine pieces are scarcer yet, and AU coins are rare. Uncirculated examples are seldom met with. Areas of light striking characterize most pieces, as do parallel mint-caused adjustment marks made during the planchet preparation process.
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