8 Historic Flowing Hair Half Dimes That Sold for Big Money

8 Historic Flowing Hair Half Dimes – The Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795) represents the dawn of American coinage, making these tiny silver treasures some of the most coveted pieces in numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot, these coins feature the same Flowing Hair Liberty motif as their larger half dollar counterparts but in a compact 16mm format. With extremely low mintages and few surviving specimens, high-grade examples regularly sell for six and even seven figures at auction.

Here are eight of the most valuable Flowing Hair Half Dimes ever sold, complete with their fascinating histories and record-breaking prices.

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $1,175,000

Grade: PCGS MS-64
Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2022)

This 1794 half dime is one of the finest known examples of America’s first five-cent coin. With only 7,765 struck, survivors are exceedingly rare, and this pristine MS-64 specimen set a new auction record when it sold for over $1.1 million.

Also Read: 8 Most Valuable Liberty Nickels That Could Make You Rich

2. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $763,750

Grade: PCGS MS-65
Auction: Heritage Auctions (2021)

The 1795 issue had a slightly higher mintage (78,660), but Mint State examples remain elusive. This MS-65 beauty, with full luster and razor-sharp details, achieved a staggering price due to its exceptional preservation.

3. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $705,000

Grade: PCGS MS-63
Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2018)

Another 1794 specimen, this MS-63 coin boasts original toning and strong strikes, making it one of the most desirable early U.S. coins. Its seven-figure sale proves the enduring demand for these historic pieces.

4. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $528,750

Grade: PCGS MS-64
Auction: Heritage Auctions (2019)

This 1795 half dime is a condition rarity, with few surviving in such high grades. Its eye-catching surfaces and superb strike justified its half-million-dollar price tag.

5. 1796 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $411,250

Grade: PCGS AU-58
Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2017)

The 1796 issue is a one-year transitional type, featuring a smaller bust. This AU-58 example, with strong details and minimal wear, sold for over $400K, highlighting the premium placed on rarity.

6. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $352,500

Grade: PCGS MS-62
Auction: Heritage Auctions (2016)

Even in lower Mint State grades, the 1795 half dime commands huge sums. This MS-62 coin, with attractive toning and full details, brought over $350K at auction.

7. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $293,750

Grade: PCGS AU-55
Auction: Stack’s Bowers (2015)

An AU-55 1794 half dime may not be Mint State, but its historical significance and rarity still made it a quarter-million-dollar coin.

Also Read: 9 Most Valuable Three-Cent Silver Coins Worth a Fortune

8. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime – $258,500

Grade: PCGS MS-61
Auction: Heritage Auctions (2014)

Rounding out our list, this MS-61 1795 half dime proves that even well-worn examples of these early American treasures can sell for life-changing money.

Why Are Flowing Hair Half Dimes So Valuable?

✔ First U.S. Five-Cent Coins – Represent the birth of America’s coinage system.
✔ Tiny Surviving Population – Many were lost, melted, or heavily circulated.
✔ Condition Rarity – Mint State examples are nearly unobtainable.
✔ Historical Significance – Struck just years after the U.S. Mint’s founding.

While most Flowing Hair Half Dimes reside in museum collections or elite private holdings, occasional estate sale discoveries prove that hidden treasures still exist.

Have you ever encountered an early U.S. half dime? Share your story in the comments!