Flowing Hair Half Dollar: 1794-1795

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Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1794-1795
Mints: Philadelphia
Composition: 0.8924 silver, 0.1076 copper
Diameter: 32.5 mm
Weight: 13.48 grams (0.3869 ounces of silver)
Total Mintage: approximately 323,144
Edge: lettered

Introduction

A young United States wanted to prove to the world that they were a legitimate state and one method was through the display of a strong economy. Promoting business and trade was high on Congress' agenda, and establishing a sovereign coinage system was one of its earliest acts.

Producing silver coinage was a sign of financial strength and one example from this time period was the Flowing Hair Half Dollar.

Designed by Robert Scot, the half dollar had a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper.

The obverse design depicts an idealized head of Liberty facing right and the inscription LIBERTY appearing above the bust surrounded by 15 stars. The 15 stars were representative of the number of states in the Union during that time.

The reverse design features an eagle perched on a cloud, within an open wreath and has the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The edge of the coin is lettered with the inscription FIFTY CENTS OR A HALF DOLLAR with decorations between the words.

There are no mint marks as the Philadelphia mint was the only mint during that time period so there were was no need.

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General Market Notes

Few coins have survived over the years and have thus created a rarity among collectors today. It is highly recommended NOT to purchase a raw specimen but a certified coin as there are quite a few counterfeits produced over the years.

The coin was only minted for two years (1794 & 1795). The 1794 is the greater rarity of the two as even an example in a grade of Almost Good (AG) costs thousands of dollars.

The 1795 issue in a grade of AG will run into the hundreds of dollars.

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