Flowing Hair Half Dollar Values
How Much Flowing Hair Half Dollars are Worth: Flowing Hair Half Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5,715.00 | $7,715.00 | $13,440.00 | $34,300.00 | $69,400.00 | $260,000.00 | $480,000.00 | $982,500.00 | -- | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,265.00 | $2,890.00 | $4,385.00 | $7,580.00 | $14,800.00 | $44,250.00 | $188,250.00 | $283,500.00 | $499,250.00 | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | 1795/1795 Recut Date, 3 Leaves | -- | $2,905.00 | $5,200.00 | $7,925.00 | $22,825.00 | $46,500.00 | $57,750.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | 1795/1795 Recut Date, 2 Leaves | -- | $2,265.00 | $2,890.00 | $4,813.00 | $13,275.00 | $19,850.00 | -- | -- | -- | $650,000.00 | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Small Head | -- | $2,839.00 | $4,938.00 | $8,325.00 | $17,150.00 | $30,700.00 | $150,000.00 | $435,000.00 | $330,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | A over E | -- | $2,438.00 | $3,393.00 | $4,561.00 | $8,196.00 | $16,010.00 | $51,175.00 | $188,250.00 | $296,000.00 | -- | -- |
History of the Flowing Hair Half Dollar
The Flowing Hair Half Dollar is the first half dollar coin struck by the United States Mint, introduced in 1794 and carried into 1795. The Coinage Act of 1792 authorized the young nation to strike its own silver and gold instead of using foreign coins.
Engraved by Robert Scot, the obverse shows Lady Liberty with flowing hair, a symbol of the nation’s new beginnings. The edge is lettered “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF DOLLAR”. The reverse shows a small eagle perched within an open wreath.
Because the Mint was in its very early days, production challenges were significant: weak strikes, limited planchet supply, rudimentary presses, and minor design refinements. The series was short-lived, with only two years of production before the design was replaced by the Draped Bust design in 1796. The coins are composed of approximately 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weigh about 13.48 grams, and measure 32.5 mm in diameter.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Though the series spans just two years, certain dates and varieties are especially scarce:
- 1794: The first year of issue. While exact surviving numbers are uncertain, this date remains extremely scarce, especially in any decent grade.
- 1795: While more plentiful in mintage than 1794, this date includes multiple die-varieties (re-cut date, small head, over-letters). Many coins were weakly struck or heavily circulated, so high-grade survivors are rare.
- Grade is critical. Most pieces show heavy wear, adjustment marks, or weak strikes. Uncirculated or high-AU coins are hard to find.
Given all this, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar value can vary dramatically, with some premium pieces selling in the six-figure range.. For example, one guide shows MS-65 coins of 1794 trading for well into the six-figure range. Collectors must carefully analyze the specific date, any recognized variety, strike quality, and grade when assessing rarity in this series.
Types of Collections
Collectors view the Flowing Hair Half Dollar series with several possible approaches:
- Single Representative or Type Set: An entry-level collector might aim simply to include a Flowing Hair Half Dollar in their early U.S. silver type set. If this is the case, it will likely be a circulated 1795 example given availability and cost.
- Date Set (1794 & 1795): A more ambitious collection will seek both dates, ideally in better condition. That means one coin of 1794 and one of 1795, albeit the 1794 in even modest grade remains very rare.
- Variety / Specialty Set: A specialist may collect the various die varieties of 1795 (e.g., recut date, small head, leaves under eagle wing) or compare strike qualities and preservation levels.
- High-Grade / Trophy Pieces: At the highest end, collectors aim for the finest surviving coins; perhaps a 1794 in AU or MS grade or a top-graded 1795 variety. These serve as centerpiece coins in a collection.
Each of these strategies reflects different budgets, goals and levels of specialization. The Flowing Hair Half Dollar series lends itself to both broader collecting and deep specialty focus.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For someone new to numismatics and early U.S. silver coins, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar offers a steep but rewarding challenge. Beginners may start with a more accessible 1795 in circulated condition, focusing on learning to spot strike issues, verify authenticity, understand grading basics, and become comfortable with major coin-grading services. Gradually, they may move into better grades or more specialized dates.
Advanced Collecting
At the advanced level, the collector engages deeply with varieties (die states, recut dates, small-head vs regular head), condition sensitivity (AU vs MS coins), provenance, auction records, and certification details (MS65+ rarities, CAC endorsements). Advanced collectors also track historical production records, population data and catalog significant examples. Here the nuances of the Flowing Hair Half Dollar value become critical because slight differences in strike, surface preservation, or provenance can translate into large differences in value.
Investment Potential
From an investment standpoint, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar series offers investment potential, but the entry cost and risk are high. Supporting factors include:
- Historical significance: As the first U.S. half-dollar type, the coin carries exceptional heritage and collectible appeal.
- Limited production and survival: Especially for 1794 and high-grade survivors, scarcity is built in. Many coins show heavy wear or manufacturing/strike defects.
- Condition sensitivity and premium gradations: The value rises sharply with better grading. For example, guided values for MS-63 or MS-64 grades are substantially higher than circulated coins.
- Active collector demand: Early American silver coins attract specialists, so top pieces face strong competition.
However, investors must be cautious: high cost of entry, rarity versus liquidity, grading and authenticity risk, and the need for patience over long-term timetables. The coin is less about flipping for quick gains and more a long-tail holding.