1795 50C Flowing Hair Half Dollar, O-119 NGC AU58

Collectors Universe Price: $35,000.

CDN: $25,000.

NGC: $28,500.

This attractive example, with original golden brown patina on both sides, would be an excellent addition to the collection of a specialist in Flowing Hair coinage of the 1790s. NGC has graded 51 as AU58 with 51 finer. 

A few Mint-made adjustment marks are found on Miss Liberty’s hair and neck. If a planchet was found to be over the legal weight limit, it was filed across its face until meeting the proper weight. These lines commonly remained after the coins were struck. However, when compared with other examples, the adjustment marks on this specimen are not significant or intrusive.

An artist’s rendering of the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, where this rare piece was struck in 1795. Image: public domain.

Q. David Bowers writes in PCGS Coinfacts, ”Pieces dated 1795 are by far the most often encountered of this type being some ten times more plentiful than the 1794s. Examples of both years are apt to be seen in lower grades, from About Good to Fine. Very Fine and Extremely Fine coins are scarce, while AU coins are rare. Uncirculated pieces are seldom met with. Areas of light striking characterize most pieces as [are] parallel mint-caused adjustment marks made during the planchet preparation process.” Continues Bowers, “As is true of other early issues, these were ‘workhorse’ coins intended for use in the channels of commerce. Few, if any pieces were set aside for collectors at the time of issue.”