1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. LM-2. Rarity-5. MS-62 (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.

1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. LM-2. Rarity-5. MS-62 (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.，This is an outstanding example of this historic key date issue that should have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced cabinet. The finish is decidedly prooflike, a characteristic shared by the Eliasberg specimen from these dies described as a possible presentation piece in our (Bowers and Merenas) May 1996 sale of that collection. Reflectivity is universally strong throughout the fields and over the devices, the latter features sharply struck apart from minor softness of detail to the ends of Libertys hair tresses and the center of the eagles breast. Denticulation is uniformly bold around both sides from a well centered strike. Uncommonly smooth in hand for the assigned grade, light reddish-gold peripheral toning rounds out a truly impressive list of physical attributes for this remarkable coin. Half dimes were the first denomination struck by the United State Mint. After the "small beginning" of 1792, the next issue of half dimes came a couple of years later with the Flowing Hair type designed by Robert Scot. While the dies for the 1794 half dimes were ready by years end, they were not put into service until 1795. All told, 86,416 Flowing Hair half dimes were struck that year. In 1796, the obverse was replaced with the Draped Bust, resulting in a brief tenure for the Flowing Hair design type. The exact number of 1794-dated half dimes struck in not known with certainty. Based on orders for bullion deposits that the Mint filled, however, it is possible to estimate the mintage of this issue at 7,756 pieces, the remaining 78,660 coins struck during calendar year 1795 actually bearing that date. Four die marriages were required to strike the 1794-dated pieces, and LM-2 trails only LM-1 as the second rarest variety of the issue. Mint State survivors are particularly elusive in numismatic circles, the present example rivalling the aforementioned Eliasberg specimen in terms of its significance for advanced type collectors and early half dime enthusiasts alike. Worthy of the strongest bids.，Ex Simpson Collection.，