1794 Half Dollar Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Are you interested in investing in the 1794 half dollar? Perhaps you are curious why the 1794 Flowing Hair half-dollar is worth so much. You’ve come to the right place! Our guide on the 1794 half dollar value will explain everything you need to know about this iconic piece of American numismatic history.

A low mintage, coupled with unique die varieties make the 1794 half dollar among the most fascinating early U.S. coins. Even in lower grades, these coins command premium prices while the extremely few Mint State specimen have commanded significant value, making them an enviable addition to any serious collection.

In this guide, we’ll go over the interesting history of the 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar, key features, how much it is worth, and varieties that can be worth a fortune.

Let’s get started!

1794 Half Dollar Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1794-No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value	$4,500	$12,250	$34,500	$1,000,000

 

History of the 1794 Half Dollar

The United States Mint first produced the half dollar in 1794 as part of the Flowing Hair silver coins. These coins featured the original design by U.S. Chief Engraver, spotting Lady Liberty’s portrait on the obverse and a small eagle flanked by a laurel wreath on the reverse.

 The Mint produced silver dollars first with a production totaling 1,758. The half dollars were delivered on the same day as the silver dollars with the Mint first producing 5,300 and releasing them into circulation on October 15. The next batch of 18,164 half dollars was delivered on February 4, 1795 but these coins bore the 1794 date, bringing the total mintage of 1794 half dollars to 23, 464.

Although the half dollar were significantly more than the silver dollars minted in 1794, the mintage was still very small compared to subsequent years. Due to the low mintage and the fact that very few laymen knew about the existence of the 1794 half dollar, only a few of these iconic coins were preserved for future generations.

Today, most of the known Flowing Hair half dollars minted in 1794 are in poor condition or damaged. Any pieces that may be graded XF or better are scarce while those that have attained the About Uncirculated (AU58) grade are extremely rare.

Since the Mint was still in its early stages of coin production, the coining presses produced weak strikes and die failure was a recurring problem. As such, it was common for Mint workers to adjust die pairings to achieve an acceptable strike, resulting in 11 die varieties during the production of the 1794 Flowing Hair half dollars. Renowned numismatic, Oliver Overton, documented these die varieties, numbering them from 101 to 111, with 108 to 111 being the most sought-after.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money

 

Features of the 1794 Half Dollar

The 1794 half dollar features a similar design as the silver dollar and half dollar minted that year. Knowing these key features will help you identify authentic 1794 half-dollars worth money.

Here’s what to look for:

Obverse of the 1794 Half Dollar

The front side of the 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar shows the right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with her hair blowing in the wind, an image that symbolizes freedom.

The word LIBERTY appears boldly above Liberty’s heard in an arc along the rim. The portrait itself is surrounded by 15 stars, representing the 15 states that had ratified the U.S. Constitution by 1794.

The date, 1794, is displayed along the rim at the bottom.

Reverse of the 1794 Half Dollar

On the back of the coin, there is a small eagle perched on a rock with its wings spread out. The bird is encircled by a laurel wreath.

The inscription, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, appears in capital letters along the coin’s rim. Instead of the denomination appearing on the surface, it is etched on the edge as FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.

Etching of the denomination along the coin’s edge was a way for the Mint to prevent clipping and forgery of these early coins.

Other Features of the 1794 Half Dollar

Other notable features of the 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar are:

• Diameter:32.5 millimeters
• Weight:13.48 grams
• Metal composition: 90% SILVER, 10% Copper
• Edge: Reeded and lettered
• Fineness:892
• ASW: 0.3866oz

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Half Dollars In Circulation

 

1794 Half Dollar Grading

There are few key features you should look at when grading 1794 half dollars:

High contact points: Areas that are most prone to wear include Liberty’s hair, especially the curls near the ear and forehead. On the reverse, check the eagle’s feathers and breast, which should have a strong strike in higher grades.

Strike quality: The 1794 half dollars were generally poorly struck. The rare pieces with a strong strike are highly-sought after. In addition, in higher-grade coins, features such as the inscription, date, and stars are well-defined.

Luster: Because the 1794 half dollars were mostly circulated, many have lost their original luster. The rare specimens with some original shine on the surface are highly desirable and will typically be worth a fortune.

Damage: Check your coin for things like scratches, dings, cleaning and corrosion as these indicate artificial damage. However, minting errors such as die cracks or rim cuds can actually add value to the coin.

The 1794 Flowing Hair half dollars are a counterfeiters’ favorite. To be sure about your coin’s authenticity, you can have it examined and graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

 

1794 Half Dollar Value Guides

All 1794 Flowing Hair half dollars were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Of the 23,000 pieces that were produced, only about five exist in Mint State—the rest, released into circulation and hardly preserved, are found in average or poor condition.

Despite most 1794 half dollars having a weak strike and lower grading, these coins often fetch a premium at auction. This can be attributed to the low mintage and the coin’s historical significance as being the first half dollar ever minted by the United States.

So, how much is a 1794 half dollar worth? Values vary widely depending on the condition/grading. Half dollars with a strong strike are extremely rare and are worth a fortune but even those with some visible details can still bring in premium prices.

Let’s take a look at the value of the 1794 Flowing half dollar in different conditions:

Circulated examples: Circulated half dollars from 1794 exist in grades Good (G) to Extremely Fine (XF). An example graded Good can sell for as much as $4,500, one graded Very Fine can fetch up to $14,500 while a rare Extremely Fine (XF) example can sell for up to $34,500. Flowing Hair half dollars graded About Uncirculated (AU58) are very scarce but existing examples can bring in as much as $227,500. In 2017, a 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar graded AU58 was sold for a record-breaking $252,000, according to Professional Coin Grading Service records.

Lower Mint State: Only five specimen of the 1794 half dollar exist in Mint State and are part of major collections including the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Reed Hawn Collection, Dale Friend Collection, and the Simpson Collection. These pieces range from MS61 with the finest of them being an MS64. At MS61, a 1794 half dollar can sell for up to $360,000!

Higher Mint State: The finest known 1794 half dollar is an MS64 whose last provenance was Stack’s Bowers & Sotheby’s who bought it for a whopping $763,750 from the D. Brent Pogue Collection in May 2015.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money

 

Rare 1794 Half Dollar Errors List

There are distinct die varieties in the 1794 half dollar series.

Numismatist Oliver Overton cataloged all the subtle die designs the U.S. Mint to produce the 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar. The catalog resulted in the Overton varieties that range from 101 to 111, with varieties 101 to 107 being the most common, while the remaining four are rare and largely unknown.

Some die varieties are more valuable and sought-after than others. Each die pairing is identified by comparing the die characteristics, inscriptions, and design placements. In particular, collectors examine the shape and positioning of Liberty’s hair curls, feather patterns, wreath placement as well as the position of the talons on the reverse.

Let’s take a look at some common Overton varieties and their subtle differences.

1. 1794 Half Dollar Overton 101 (0-101)

The main features of this die paring include a wide space between the number 1 and 7 in the date 1794. While Liberty’s profile is generally well-struck, there is some noticeable weakness at the center.

On the reverse, the wreath has a medium strike—neither strong nor weak. The eagle’s wings have a stronger strike while the word AMERICA is a bit misaligned, with the letter A appearing close to the laurel wreath.

2. 1794 Half Dollar Overton 103 (0-103)

Unlike 0-101, Overton 103 is a close date variety in which the digits of the date are more tightly etched. Die cracks appears on the left next to the stars.

On the reverse, the eagle has a rounder head and the feather pattern is slightly different. The laurel wreath is thicker than in Overton 102 varieties.

3. 1794 Half Dollar Overton 104 (0-104)

Overton 104 half dollars are some of the scarcest and most desirable. The date on the obverse is noticeably smaller with very tight spacing between the numbers. Some coins may have a die crack on the surface, adding to their appeal.

On the reverse, the eagle’s image is particularly weak especially around the wing feathers. You might notice that the letters on the inscription, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are more spaced apart than in previous Overton die varieties.

4. 1794 Half Dollar Overton 105 (0-105)

Overton-105 is arguably the rarest variety in the entire series and one of the most valuable. The date is boldly struck while there is considerable spacing between the digits. Liberty’s portrait is more sharply struck than in other varieties.

The eagle on the reverse also boasts a sharper strike with a more defined tail and wing feather pattern. The wreath shows some misalignment with the left side appearing thinner than the right.

5. 1794 Half Dollar Overton 108 (O-108)

Also known as the weak strike variety, the Overtone 108 is also quite rare with only a few examples known to exist in higher grades. On the obverse, the numbers 7 and 9 of the date appear weaker than the other digits.

On the reverse, the eagle’s feathers are softer, in contrast to the wreath which is more defined with a shallow engraving pattern that’s different from the other varieties.

 

Where to Sell Your 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Half Dollar?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQS

Why is the 1794 flowing hair silver half dollar so expensive?

The Flowing Hair silver half dollar was the first half dollar the United States minted, making a historically significant coin that any collector would want to own. The half dollar also boasts a low mintage, which makes it scarce and highly desirable. All these factors come together to significantly increase the value of the 1794 half dollar.

How can I tell if my 1794 half dollar is real?

The 1794 silver half dollar is quite prone to counterfeiting. To check for authenticity, examine features such as Liberty’s hair curls, especially around the ears and forehead for any odd-looking patterns. On the reverse, inspect the eagle including the feather patterns and wings. The wreath’s alignment can also tell you if the half dollar is original or has had some work done on it.  All in all, if you are in doubt, consult professional coin graders such as the NGC and PCGS.

What is the most famous 1794 half dollar?

The most well-known example in the 1794 half dollar series was auctioned for $10 million at a 2013 auction, becoming the most expensive half dollar in this key-date series.