The world of numismatics is full of fascinating stories, but few are as compelling as those of the Flowing Hair Half Dimes, minted during the infancy of the United States. Struck in the mid-1790s, these silver coins are more than mere currency; they are artifacts of American history and ingenuity. With extremely low production numbers and even fewer surviving specimens, each coin is a treasure coveted by collectors and historians alike.
Today, we delve into the stories of the eight most valuable Flowing Hair Half Dimes—each of which has fetched eye-watering prices at auctions, reflecting their rarity and historical significance.
The Pioneers of U.S. Coinage
The Flowing Hair Half Dime was part of the early suite of coins produced by the newly established U.S. Mint. Designed by Robert Scott, these diminutive coins bear the Flowing Hair Liberty motif, akin to the contemporary half dollar but distinct in their smaller 16mm format. They mark a nascent period in American numismatics, embodying both the struggles and the aspirations of a young nation.
Record-Breaking Sales and Their Stories
- 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $1,175,000
- Grade: PCGS MS-64
- Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2022)
This coin set a record for the highest price ever paid for a 1794 half dime, highlighting its pristine condition and extreme rarity. With only 7,765 originally minted, the scarcity of surviving coins, especially in such a high grade, makes each sale a significant event.
- 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $763,750
- Grade: PCGS MS-65
- Auction: Heritage Auctions (2021)
Despite a slightly higher mintage of 78,660, high-quality specimens like this MS-65 grade coin are extraordinarily rare, making each appearance on the market a landmark occasion for collectors.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $705,000
- Grade: PCGS MS-63
- Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2018)
This coin is cherished not just for its rarity but also for its striking visual appeal, including original toning and a robust strike—a testament to the minting techniques of the era.
- 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $528,750
- Grade: PCGS MS-64
- Auction: Heritage Auctions (2019)
The allure of this coin lies in its excellent preservation, a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and history of late 18th-century America.
- 1796 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $411,250
- Grade: PCGS AU-58
- Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2017)
This transitional piece features a smaller bust of Liberty and is valued for its historical context and the story it tells of America’s evolving coinage.
- 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $352,500
- Grade: PCGS MS-62
- Auction: Heritage Auctions (2016)
Even in a lower Mint State grade, this coin’s attractive toning and historical significance commanded a substantial price.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $293,750
- Grade: PCGS AU-55
- Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2015)
Despite not being in Mint State, the coin’s considerable historical value and rarity secured a high auction price.
- 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $258,500
- Grade: PCGS MS-61
- Auction: Heritage Auctions (2014)
Proof that even coins with signs of wear can garner significant interest due to their rarity and the stories they carry.
Why These Coins Are Priceless
The Flowing Hair Half Dimes are not just valuable for their material or even their rarity. They are enduring symbols of the nascent stages of the U.S. Mint and the broader American financial system. Their worth is enhanced by their historical significance, dating back to just a few years after the establishment of the U.S. Mint.
Today, while most of these coins reside in museums or private collections, the dream of discovering one of these rare coins continues to captivate the imaginations of collectors and historians. For those lucky enough to own a Flowing Hair Half Dime, it’s more than a piece of silver—it’s a piece of American history.
Conclusion: More Than Just Coins
As we have seen, the Flowing Hair Half Dimes encapsulate the struggle and success of America’s early minting efforts. Each coin tells a unique story, not just of its economic utility, but of its era, challenges, and the people who handled it. For collectors and enthusiasts, these coins are not merely investments; they are fragments of history, pieces of a narrative that is fundamentally American.
