Flowing Hair Half Dime Specifications
The Flowing Hair Half Dime was the smallest silver denomination authorized by the Mint act of April 1792. The composition consists of silver (0.892) and copper (0.108), with a weight 1.35 grams (20.83 grains). All coins have a reeded edge and were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only Mint in operation at the time.
Striking weakness is a problem often encountered with this type, although sharply struck examples do exist. Some pieces will show adjustment marks, made at the Mint to adjust slightly overweight planchets. Because of the small size of the coin, these are not as obvious as for the larger denominations.
Dates: 1794-1795
Mint Mark: none (Philadelphia)
Composition: 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper
Weight: 1.35 grams
Diameter: 16.5 mm
Edge: reeded
Designer: Robert Scot