Lot 923
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. NGC graded AU-53. An outstanding well struck example with delicate natural antique toning around the borders. Traces of mint luster are still present! We note some light adjustments marks across Liberty's head. A fabulous example of our first Half Dollar.
9 x 9 berries in wreath. Curl at Second Star, Star 2 attached to lowest curl. Leaf attached to right base of I. Rarity-5. A scarce die marriage, particularly in lesser worn grades, that is attributed by its reverse, which has 9 berries on the left side of the wreath, and 10 berries on the right side. Pop 6; 7 finer. Recently added to the census.
While their roles in the economy may have been different, the 1794 silver dollar and half dollar -- and, for that matter, the first half dime -- were identical in design. Congress had specified that the silver coins should carry a design "emblematic of Liberty," and Chief Engraver Robert Scot had implemented this mandate with a right-facing portrait of a youthful female figure whose hair flowed freely behind her-hence the descriptive term "Flowing Hair." It's said the flowing hair was meant to signify freedom. LIBERTY appears above the portrait, with the date below and fifteen stars along the sides, denoting the number of states in the Union at that time.
Apparently, most Flowing Hair half dollars went right into commercial use. While occasionally available in worn condition, they are virtually unobtainable in choicer grades. Coins of this type can be challenging to grade, due to irregularities in their quality of strike. It is not unusual for Flowing Hair half dollars to wear quite unevenly. Points to check for wear are the hair above and beside Liberty's forehead and the center of the eagle's breast.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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| Realized $49,450 |
