Flowing Hair silver coins are among the rarest and most sought-after collectibles in the numismatic world. Introduced in the late 18th century, these coins hold historical value as they were among the first silver dollars minted by the U.S. government.
Today, collectors are constantly on the lookout for these coins, especially since some still remain in circulation and can be worth over $500,000. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of rare Flowing Hair silver coins, their history, value, and how to potentially find one.
What Are Flowing Hair Silver Coins?
Flowing Hair silver coins were first minted in 1794 and continued until 1795, making them a short-lived series. Designed by Robert Scot, the coins feature an image of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse side, symbolizing freedom.
The reverse side typically features an eagle, a symbol of strength in early American coinage. These coins are recognized not only for their rarity but also for their aesthetic and historic significance.
6 Rare Flowing Hair Silver Coins Still in Circulation
While most Flowing Hair coins are in private collections or museums, a few remain in circulation. Here’s a list of six rare Flowing Hair silver coins that might still be out there:
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime was among the first coins ever minted by the United States. Only 7,756 were minted, making it one of the rarest coins from the era.
- Estimated Value: $50,000 – $250,000
- Notable Auction Price: A mint condition example sold for $705,000 at auction.
This small silver coin features the iconic image of Lady Liberty with her flowing hair on the obverse and a small eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. Given the limited production and age, very few of these coins remain in circulation.
If you find one, its condition will significantly influence its value. Even a well-worn example could be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Perhaps the most famous coin in this series, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, is a cornerstone of American numismatics. It was the first official silver dollar minted by the U.S., with a mintage of just 1,758 coins. Many experts believe that fewer than 150 examples still exist today.
- Estimated Value: $500,000 – $10 million
- Notable Auction Price: In 2013, a near-mint specimen sold for $10 million, setting a world record for the most expensive coin ever sold.
This coin features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. Finding one of these in circulation would be exceedingly rare, but if you did, it could be worth millions, even in poor condition.
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is another early U.S. coin minted in relatively small quantities, with around 23,464 pieces produced. However, only a small fraction of these coins have survived.
- Estimated Value: $100,000 – $600,000
- Notable Auction Price: A high-grade example sold for $763,750 at a recent auction.
This coin’scoin’s design mirrors the other Flowing Hair coins, with Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. As with other coins from this era, the value depends heavily on its condition. Finding one in circulation could potentially yield a six-figure payday.
4. 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar
After the initial success of the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, another version was minted in 1795. With a slightly larger mintage of around 160,295 coins, more examples of this coin exist today. However, they are still incredibly rare.
- Estimated Value: $150,000 – $450,000
- Notable Auction Price: A high-quality example was sold for $2 million.
Like its 1794 counterpart, the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar features Lady Liberty and the eagle design. Its higher mintage means more examples are likely still in circulation, but finding one in good condition can still lead to a substantial windfall.
5. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime is similar to the 1794 version but had a larger production run, with an estimated mintage of around 78,660 coins. Many of these coins have been lost or melted down over the years, making them highly valuable to collectors.
- Estimated Value: $30,000 – $150,000
- Notable Auction Price: One of the finest examples fetched $345,000 at auction.
This coin is slightly larger than a modern-day dime, with the same flowing hair design for Lady Liberty on the obverse. The scarcity of these coins means even worn examples can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
6. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
The 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is another coin that holds immense value due to its historical importance and rarity. With a mintage of around 299,680 coins, more examples exist than the 1794 versions, but they are still incredibly rare in modern circulation.
- Estimated Value: $75,000 – $300,000
- Notable Auction Price: One example sold for $385,250.
This half-dollar coin follows the same design pattern as the other Flowing Hair coins, with Lady Liberty on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse. Like other coins in this series, it holds significant value, particularly if it remains in good condition.
Flowing Hair silver coins are some of the most coveted collectibles in American numismatics. With a value exceeding $500,000, these coins are a true treasure for collectors. Whether you stumble upon one in an estate sale or purchase it from a coin dealer, owning a Flowing Hair coin is like holding a piece of American history. Keep an eye out, as you may just find one still in circulation, and if you do, its value could be life-changing.
FAQs
1. What is the most expensive Flowing Hair coin ever sold?
The most expensive Flowing Hair coin is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which sold for $10 million in 2013.
2. How much is a 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime worth?
A 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime can be worth between $50,000 and $250,000, depending on its condition.
3. Can I still find Flowing Hair coins in circulation?
While rare, it is still possible to find a Flowing Hair coin in circulation, especially at estate sales, flea markets, or through private collectors.
4. How do I know if I have a Flowing Hair silver coin?
Look for Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, an eagle on the reverse, and check for the mint year 1794 or 1795.
5. What factors affect the value of a Flowing Hair coin?
Factors include rarity, historical significance, condition, and whether it has been graded by a professional service.