HALF DOLLAR 1794-1795 Flowing Hair

Description

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.

Valuation

Few if any pieces were set aside for collectors at the time of issue. Don't be picky if you are shopping for one of these landmark coins to add to your collection. To have one at all is to own a piece of American History that can never be repeated.

COIN NAME
HALF DOLLAR 1794-1795 Flowing Hair: DESIGNED BY
Robert Scot: ISSUE DATE
1794-1795: COMPOSITION
0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper: DIAMETER
32.5 mm: WEIGHT
208 grains: EDGE
Lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR: BUS MINT
323,144: PROOF MINT
None

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