Value of 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar

Value of 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair half dollars are popular as the first United States half dollars. Most collectors seeking an example of the type choose a 1795-dated piece as they are much more easily obtained. Eleven die pairs are known for the 1794, most of which are moderately scarce due to the overall low mintage of the date. A few varieties are rarities, one of which is the “small” or “truncated head” variety; only one example of such has been traced. Finding a coin with a good strike can be quite challenging, and, in general, there are numerous issues to look out for. Planchet filing marks are common and sometimes very distracting, the rims can be mushy or defective, and a number of pieces also suffer from mishandling. Finding a nice example that is ideal in every way may be a fool’s errand. However, with patience and persistence, a pleasing coin can be found.
Availability: Any 1794 half dollar will be about ten times more difficult to find than its 1795 counterpart. It is estimated that 650 to 800 pieces exist in all grades. Many available examples are in low grades, or have significant problems. Choice pieces in the mid-circulated grades are available with persistence, and are the goal for most collectors. AU examples are extremely scarce to rare, and in Mint State, the 1794 issue is a great rarity.

Flowing Hair Half Dollars can be exceedingly rare in high grade. These coins are known for their beautiful design and attention to detail. If you have one of these coins, please contact one of our local coin experts to have your rare coin appraised. We offer free rare coin appraisals and would love to buy your coin. Our rare coin price guide should give you all the information you need, but if you need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of rare coin experts.