Flowing Hair Half Dime 1794 - 1795
Flowing Hair Half Dime 1794 - 1795: identify, compare, and value
Use this page to identify details collectors compare, understand value clues, and check current market examples.
Value Guide Summary
Use this page to understand what this collectible is, what details collectors usually compare, and where to check current market examples.
What collectors look for
Original condition, age, maker marks, materials, completeness, unusual variants, and documented history usually matter most.
How to identify examples
Compare markings, construction details, finish, size, period-correct materials, and known design features before assuming authenticity.
Value clues
Rarity, demand, condition, eye appeal, provenance, and whether similar examples are actively selling can all affect market value.
Red flags
Watch for reproductions, heavy restoration, replaced parts, fantasy pieces, unclear photos, and listings with vague descriptions.
The Flowing Hair half dimes of 1794 were designed by Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the Mint. His design was different than that found on Birch's 1792 half dismes (the spelling of "disme" would gradually evolve to "dime." On the 1792 coins, the denomination is spelled HALF DISME). Scot's design features a head of Liberty facing to the right with distinctive flowing hair. Fifteen stars, arranged 8x7, surround the head with the date below and the word LIBERTY above. On the reverse, an eagle stands amid an olive branch with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around it. There is no indication of this coin's value on either side, nor would there be until the Capped Bust design was adopted in 1829.
All of the 7,756 Flowing Hair half dimes dated 1794 were actually struck in March, 1795. The 1794 half dime is a scarce coin in any grade. In mint state, it is very rare, although a group of a dozen or so extremely choice uncirculated pieces exist from a hoard found and dispersed around 1880.
As one would expect, the quality of strike for 1794 half dimes is generally poor. In fact, the United States Mint had considerable trouble striking coins of this denomination until the 1830s. It is very hard to locate a 1794 half dime which is sharply detailed on the hair of Liberty. In addition, the eagle's breast feathers are very often flat and indistinct. On high grade pieces, wear will first show on the hair to the left of the ear, the forehead and on the eagle's head, breast and the tops of its wings.
Many of these early half dimes show adjustment marks on their surfaces. These are file marks made on the planchet before a coin is struck in order to reduce the weight to the Mint's standard. Adjustment marks are very common on 18th and early 19th century American coins, and they are not considered a detriment to the grade or the value of a coin.