Imagine holding a coin in your hand that was made just two years after George Washington became president. The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is exactly that kind of treasure.
Sold for $26,437.50 at auction in 2025, this silver half dollar isn’t just valuable—it’s a piece of early American history. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this coin so special.
Origins
The Flowing Hair Half Dollar was the first 50-cent coin officially minted by the United States. It was struck in both 1794 and 1795, just after the U.S. Mint was established in Philadelphia. At the time, the U.S. needed its own money to move away from foreign currency like Spanish dollars.
The coin’s design is simple but meaningful. The front (or obverse) shows Lady Liberty with long, flowing hair—a symbol of freedom. The back (reverse) features a small eagle surrounded by a delicate wreath. It was only produced for two years before a new design replaced it, making surviving examples rare and valuable.
Design
Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed the Flowing Hair series. He was inspired by classical Greek art, and his portrayal of Liberty with loose hair represented the American ideals of freedom, grace, and natural beauty.
This was the young nation’s first serious attempt to design its own currency—and it made a bold statement.
Specs
Here’s what the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is made of:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Metal Content | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Weight | 13.48 grams |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Years Minted | 1794 and 1795 only |
It’s a bit larger than today’s half dollars, with a strong presence that reflects its importance in early U.S. trade and commerce.
Varieties
Not all 1795 half dollars look exactly the same. There are a couple of important variations that collectors chase:
- Two Leaves or Three Leaves: Look at the leaves below the eagle’s wings—some coins show two, others three. These came from different die sets used in the same year.
- Centered vs. Uncentered Drapery: Some versions show Liberty’s clothing (or drapery) better centered than others, another result of manual die alignment during minting.
These subtle differences make certain versions even more valuable, especially when found in good condition.
Rarity
Although 299,680 half dollars were struck in 1795, very few remain today. Many were lost, damaged, or melted down over the years. Coins that survived in collectible condition are now historical artifacts—each one telling a story about America’s early years.
Value
So why did one of these coins sell for $26,437.50? It’s a mix of rarity, age, and historical value. Collectors and historians place huge importance on coins from this era.
And if a coin is well-preserved or features a rare variety, its value can easily skyrocket into the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
This isn’t just a chunk of silver—it’s a witness to the birth of American money.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about rare coins, the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is worth knowing about. Its early American design, limited mintage, and direct link to U.S. history make it one of the most treasured coins ever made.
Next time you see an old coin, remember—it might just be a slice of history waiting to be reobserved.
FAQs
What is the Flowing Hair Half Dollar?
It’s one of the first U.S. 50-cent coins, minted in 1794–1795.
Who designed the coin?
Robert Scot, the first U.S. Mint Chief Engraver, designed it.
What metals are in the coin?
It’s 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper.
Why is the coin so rare?
Few were made and even fewer survived in good condition.
How much is the coin worth?
One sold for $26,437.50 in 2025.
