Flowing Hair Half Dime
The Flowing Hair Half Dime is found with only two dates, which were actually both struck in a single year. These pieces were the smallest silver coins authorized by the Mint Act of 1792. The coins were first produced in February or March 1795, from dies dated 1794.
Examples are mostly encountered in lower grades with various problems, while high grade specimens with original surfaces are extremely rare. Despite their rarity, these coins are not as expensive as the larger denominations, although this does not mean that they are easily found in any condition. The Flowing Hair Half Dime represents an important type coin and one of the more difficult coins to acquire for an advanced type set.
The half dimes feature Robert Scot’s Flowing Hair design on the obverse, paired with an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. The edge of the coin was reeded, and the coin carried no indication of the denomination.
This site provides a basic history of the Flowing Hair Half Dime, description of the design, information on the mintage, specifications, and the details of the two years of release for this important series.