Flowing Hair Half Dollars 1794-1795

About This Series

Struck during the earliest years of the United States Mint's operation, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar represents one of America's foundational silver coin designs. Robert Scot engraved the obverse portrait of Liberty with long, flowing hair — a neoclassical representation inspired by ancient Roman and Greek imagery that symbolized the young republic's democratic aspirations. The reverse features a small eagle perched within an open laurel wreath. Authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792, approximately 323,000 half dollars were struck across both years, with the 1794 considerably scarcer than the 1795. Die varieties are extensively cataloged in the Overton reference, making this short series fertile ground for variety collectors. The half dollar denomination was established at 208 grains of standard silver (.8924 fine), and these coins circulated alongside a chaotic mix of foreign silver in the cash-starved early republic. High-grade survivors of either date command substantial premiums from collectors pursuing early American silver type coins.