The Flowing Hair Half Dime was the smallest-sized silver coin authorized under the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, which established the United States Mint and regulated U.S. coinage. The coin’s designer is unknown. However, the coin was engraved by the United States Mint’s first Chief Engraver—Robert Scot—and features Liberty facing right with unbound hair flowing back. The reverse features an eagle with wings spread surrounded by a wreath.
In accordance with the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, the coins had a purity of .8924 silver and a weight of 20.8 grams. More than half a century later, the specifications for the denomination would be adjusted with another Coinage Act. Despite the rarity of this issue, coins remain relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the prices for the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar and Half Dollar.
Flowing Hair Half Dime Notes:
- Although coins are dated with 1794 or 1795, both issues were actually struck during 1795.
- No record exist as to the exact mintage breakdown between the two dates, although it has been suggested that approximately 10% of the mintage was for 1794-dated coins and the remainder 1795-dated coins.
- Despite the difference in mintages, both issues are considered scarce, especially in uncirculated condition.
- A total of four die combinations have been identified for the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. The rarest of these is the variety identified as “Valentine-1” or “Logan-McCloskey-1.”
- Ten different die combinations have been identified for the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime, with only two considered scarce. The V-10/LM-2 is the rarest of the ten dies, with less than ten pieces known to exist.
- On an overall basis, the half dime has the lowest mintage of any Flowing Hair type silver coins.
Flowing Hair Half Dime Mintages:
| Issue | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1794-1795 | 86,416 |
