Top 8 Most Expensive Flowing Hair Half Dimes and Their Auction Records

The Flowing Hair Half Dime, minted between 1794 and 1795, is one of the most significant coins in U.S. history, marking the beginning of America’s currency system. These small silver coins, designed by Robert Scott, are not just famous for their design but are also highly sought after in the numismatic community due to their rarity and historical value. The coins feature the iconic Flowing Hair Liberty motif, which was also used on larger half dollar coins of the time, but they were minted in a much smaller size of 16mm. Given the low mintage and the fact that few have survived in good condition, the Flowing Hair Half Dimes can fetch impressive prices at auction. Here, we highlight the eight most valuable examples of these coins, which have made a significant impact on the world of coin collecting.

The Most Valuable Flowing Hair Half Dimes

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

• Grade: PCGS MS-64
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2022) The most expensive Flowing Hair Half Dime ever sold, this 1794 coin achieved a remarkable price of $1.175 million at auction. With only 7,765 coins minted, this coin is one of the rarest and most coveted, especially in MS-64 condition. Its high-quality strike and preserved details make it a stunning example of early U.S. coinage.

2. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $763,750

• Grade: PCGS MS-65
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2021) Despite a slightly larger mintage of 78,660, this 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime remains incredibly rare in high grade. Its MS-65 condition and sharp, brilliant details helped it reach a sale price of $763,750, making it a top contender among high-value coins.

3. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $705,000

• Grade: PCGS MS-63
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2018) Another 1794 coin, this example fetched $705,000 at auction. While it was not in Mint State, its original toning and strong strike made it an attractive example. The price reflects the growing demand for these historic pieces as collectors seek out pristine examples.

4. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $528,750

• Grade: PCGS MS-64
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2019) This MS-64 grade coin sold for over half a million dollars, making it one of the top-selling 1795 coins. The coin’s excellent condition and attractive surface contributed to its impressive auction price, making it a highly desirable collector’s item.

5. 1796 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $411,250

• Grade: PCGS AU-58
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2017) The 1796 Flowing Hair Half Dime is a transitional type with a smaller bust design. This AU-58 example sold for $411,250, demonstrating that even coins with slightly more wear can command high prices due to their rarity and historical significance.

6. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $352,500

• Grade: PCGS MS-62
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2016) This 1795 coin, while graded at MS-62, still fetched a respectable price of $352,500. The coin’s attractive toning and strong details made it stand out, proving that even coins in lower grades can hold substantial value.

7. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $293,750

• Grade: PCGS AU-55
• Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2015) Selling for $293,750, this 1794 coin was not in Mint State but still garnered a strong price due to its historical significance. The coin’s rarity, along with its place in the early history of U.S. currency, contributed to its high value.

8. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $258,500

• Grade: PCGS MS-61
• Auction: Heritage Auctions (2014) The final entry on this list, this 1795 MS-61 coin sold for $258,500 at auction. While it had light wear, its rarity and historical importance as one of the first U.S. coins make it a valuable addition to any collection.

Why Are Flowing Hair Half Dimes So Valuable?

The value of the Flowing Hair Half Dime is influenced by several key factors:

• Historical Significance: As one of the first U.S. coins ever minted, the Flowing Hair Half Dime symbolizes the early days of the United States currency system, making it an important piece of American history.
• Low Mintage and Survival Rate: Only a few thousand Flowing Hair Half Dimes were minted in 1794 and 1795, and many were lost, melted down, or became worn out over time. This makes surviving examples exceedingly rare.
• Rarity of Condition: Few coins from this period survive in mint condition. Most coins were circulated heavily, leading to wear and tear. Coins that are well-preserved or graded at higher levels are especially valuable.
• High Demand Among Collectors: As one of the most coveted types of early U.S. coins, Flowing Hair Half Dimes have attracted the attention of numismatists and investors alike, further increasing their demand and value.

Conclusion

The Flowing Hair Half Dime is a symbol of the early U.S. Mint and holds immense value for collectors and investors alike. The rarity, historical significance, and condition of these coins have led to astronomical auction prices, often reaching millions of dollars. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, understanding the factors that contribute to the value of these coins is essential. If you are lucky enough to own one, you hold a priceless piece of American history.

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