8 Historic Flowing Hair Half Dimes That Sold for Big Money

The Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795) marks the beginning of the American currency system. These small silver coins are not only famous for their uniqueness but are also in high demand in the field of numismatics (coin collecting). Designed by Robert Scott, these coins feature the same Flowing Hair Liberty motif that appears in his larger half dollar coins, but were minted in a smaller size of 16mm. Production numbers of these coins were very low and very few have survived to this day, so high-quality coins have records of selling for millions of dollars at auction.

Here we will tell you about the eight most valuable Flowing Hair Half Dimes, with interesting histories and record-breaking prices.

1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $1,175,000

• Grade: PCGS MS-64
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2022)

This 1794 half dime is a great example of America’s first five-cent coin. Only 7,765 coins were minted, making the number of surviving coins extremely low. This MS-64 grade coin, which sold for over $1.1 million at auction, sets an all-time record.

1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $763,750

• Grade: PCGS MS-65
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2021)

This 1795 coin was minted in slightly higher numbers with a production run of 78,660, but high quality coins are still very rare. This MS-65 grade coin sold at auction for $763,750, with brilliant and sharp details throughout, a testament to its excellent condition.

1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $705,000

• Grade: PCGS MS-63
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2018)

This second 1794 coin is in MS-63 grade. This coin has original toning and strong strike, making it a very attractive example of early U.S. coins. This coin fetched a seven-figure price, reflecting the increasing demand for these historic coins.

1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $528,750

• Grade: PCGS MS-64
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2019)

This 1795 half dime is in a rare condition, as very few such coins have survived in such high grade. Its attractive surface and excellent strike made it a likely winner at auction for over half a million dollars.

1796 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $411,250

• Grade: PCGS AU-58
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2017)

This 1796 coin is a one-year transitional type featuring a small bust. In AU-58 grade, this coin sold for $411,250 with strong detail and minimal wear, reflecting its rarity.

1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $352,500

• Grade: PCGS MS-62
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2016)

This 1795 half dime was in a low grade (MS-62), yet its attractive toning and detail throughout earned it a price of $352,500. Coins like these prove that the collectible value of these coins is not just based on their condition, but also on their historical significance.

1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $293,750

• Grade: PCGS AU-55
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2015)

This 1794 coin, which was not Mint State, was auctioned for $293,750 due to its historical significance and rarity. This coin was a unique example of its time, which will always attract collectors.

1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $258,500

• Grade: PCGS MS-61
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2014)

The last one on this list, this MS-61 grade coin from 1795, also shows that even coins with light wear can sell for a hefty price. The auction price of $258,500 makes this a life-changing opportunity.

Why are Flowing Hair Half Dimes so valuable?

There are several reasons behind the value of Flowing Hair Half Dimes:

• The first U.S. five-cent coin: These coins symbolize the beginning of the U.S. currency system. They are considered an important part of American history.
• Lack of preserved coins: Many of these coins were lost, melted down, or were so overused that very few coins survive.
• Rarity of condition: It is nearly impossible to find coins in Mint State, which increases the value of these coins even more.
• Historical significance: These coins were minted just a few years after the founding of the U.S. Mint, making them of immense historical significance.

Nowadays, most Flowing Hair Half Dimes are found in museums or elite private collections. However, the occasional discovery of these coins at estate sales proves that hidden treasures still exist.

The high prices for these coins and their growing collectible value show that Flowing Hair Half Dimes are not just coins, but priceless pieces of American history. Searching for and collecting these coins can be an exciting and rewarding journey if you own one of these rare pieces!

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