If you’re a coin collector or a history enthusiast, you may wonder how much a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is worth.
The Flowing Hair Half Dollar was one of the United States government’s first minted coins.
Its fascinating history makes it a valuable addition to any collection.
In this piece, we will delve into the elements that impact the worth of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar and provide a rough estimate of the price you might anticipate when seeking to acquire one.
the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is one of American numismatic history’s most iconic and valuable coins.
It was produced from 1794 to 1795 and is the first half-dollar coin ever minted by the United States Mint.
The coin’s creation is credited to Robert Scot, who went on to design the subsequent Draped Bust and Capped Bust half dollars.
On the coin’s front side, you’ll find a depiction of Lady Liberty sporting flowing locks, while the reverse showcases an eagle with its wings outstretched.
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar has a diameter of 32.5mm and a weight of 13.48g. It is composed of silver (90%) and copper (10%) and has a fineness of 0.892.
The coin has a lettered edge with the inscription “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.”
The mintage of the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is estimated to be 299,680 coins.
However, due to the age and rarity of the coins, many of them have been lost or damaged over time, making them even more valuable to collectors.
Today, the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is highly sought by collectors and investors alike.
Its rarity, historical significance, and beautiful design make it a prized possession for any coin enthusiast.
Factors Influencing the Value
Several factors must be considered when determining the value of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar.
These factors include the coin’s rarity, condition, and historical significance.
- Rarity
- The rarity of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar can greatly influence its value. The mintage for this coin was relatively low, with only 299,680 coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
- Several different coin varieties were produced, which can also affect its rarity. For example, the 1795/1795 Recut Date with 3 Leaves variety is among the rarest and most valuable.
- Condition
- The condition of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is also an important factor in determining its value.
- Coins in excellent condition, with minimal wear and no damage, are much more expensive than those heavily worn/damaged.
- The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are two of the most well-known coin grading services, and their grades can greatly affect a coin’s value.
- Historical Significance
- The historical significance of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar can also impact its value.
- This coin was one of the first coins ever produced by the United States Mint, and it features a design by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the Mint.
- Additionally, the coin was produced during a great change in the United States, as the country was still in its infancy, and the Constitution had only been ratified a few years prior.
Overall, the rarity, condition, and historical significance of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar are the main factors that influence its value.
By considering these factors, collectors and investors can determine the true worth of this historic coin.
Condition and Grade
The condition and grade of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar coin are crucial in determining its value.
The grading system used by PCGS and NGC ranges from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS) 70, with MS-70 being the highest possible grade.
The grading system considers several factors, including the coin’s luster, strike, surface preservation, and overall eye appeal.
Coins with minimal wear and no damage are graded higher than those with significant wear or damage.
Here is a breakdown of the grading system used by PCGS and NGC:
- Poor (P): Barely recognizable, with heavy damage and wear.
- Fair (FR): Recognizable but heavily worn with damage.
- About Good (AG): Mostly worn, with design elements visible.
- Good (G): Worn, with all major design elements visible.
- Very Good (VG): Lightly worn with some detail remaining.
- Fine (F): Moderate wear with clear details.
- Very Fine (VF): Light wear with sharp details.
- Extremely Fine (EF or XF): Light wear with full detail and luster.
- About Uncirculated (AU): Traces of wear on the highest points, with full detail and luster.
- Mint State (MS): No wear, with full detail and luster.
The table below shows the approximate values of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar coin based on its condition and grade:
| Grades | Price as of September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $1,258 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $1,974 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,882 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $3,802 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $8,715 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $15,481 |
It’s important to note that the values listed above are prices provided by USA Coin Book as of September 2023, and they still can vary based on factors, including rarity, historical significance, and market demand.
Additionally, the value of a coin can also be affected by its certification and the reputation of the grading service.
Rarity and Demand
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is a rare coin collectors highly seek.
The coin was only minted for two years, in 1794 and 1795, and it is estimated that only 3,000 to 4,000 examples of the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar exist today.
This rarity has made the coin highly desirable among collectors, and it is considered one of the most valuable coins in American numismatics.
The demand for the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is also very high. Collectors will spend a lot of money on this coin, especially if it is in good condition.
According to the USA Coin Book, as of September 2023, a circulated 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is worth between $1,200 and $15,000+.
However, uncirculated examples of this coin on the open market can sell for as much as $500,000+!
Some of the Most Notable Auction Records of This Coin:
- One of these coins was auctioned back in January 2023. The coin was graded MS64+ and was sold for $348,000!
- One example of this coin, graded MS63+, was sold for $129,250 in 2016.
- An MS63 graded 1795 Flowing Hair was sold for $204,000 in January 2023!
The demand for the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is driven by several factors, including its rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal.
The coin is a beautiful example of early American coinage, with its flowing hair design and intricate details.
Additionally, the coin is historically significant, as it was one of the first coins minted by the United States Mint.
Finally, the coin’s rarity makes it a prized possession among collectors, and many are willing to spend top dollar to add it to their collections.
Overall, the rarity and demand for the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar make it a valuable and highly sought-after coin among collectors.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a beginner, adding this coin to your collection will surely be a wise investment.
Market Trends
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar market trends have been relatively stable recently.
However, it’s important to remember that this coin’s value can fluctuate based on various factors.
One of the most significant factors impacting the value of the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is its condition.
Coins in excellent condition, with minimal wear and no damage, will typically command a higher price than those in poor condition.
Another factor to consider is the rarity of the coin. While the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is not necessarily rare in the grand scheme, certain variations or mint marks can be more difficult to come by, driving up the price.
Overall, if you’re interested in purchasing a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, it’s important to research and keep an eye on the market trends.
While this coin may not be the most valuable or sought-after, it’s still a piece of history that can be a valuable addition to any coin collection.
The value of a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar can vary greatly depending on various factors such as its condition, rarity, and historical significance.
Based on the information gathered from the search results, it can be inferred that this coin’s value ranges from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If you are a coin collector or investor looking to purchase a 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, it is important to research and consult with experts to ensure you get a fair price for the coin’s value.
You may also want to consider the coin’s provenance and certification to ensure its authenticity and value.
Before you go…
Due to its historical significance and rarity, the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors and investors.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice investor, this coin can be a valuable addition to your collection or portfolio.
Check out my next article: “Is the 1914-D Wheat Penny Worth Collecting?“
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